As dog owners, we shower our pups with love, affection, and attention — but what if we’re unknowingly doing things that make them uncomfortable or even stressed? Believe it or not, there are many things dogs hate that owners do, and even the most devoted pet parents are often guilty.

Your dog can’t tell you they’re annoyed — at least not in words — but they do communicate through subtle behaviors and body language. Whether it’s forcing too much affection, using confusing language, or ignoring their need for mental stimulation, these habits can quietly chip away at your dog’s comfort and trust.

This isn’t about guilt-tripping you — it’s about growing into a more mindful, respectful partner to the creature that gives you unconditional love. Let’s dig into the silent signals your dog has been trying to send, and how small changes can lead to big improvements in your relationship.

And if you’re looking to strengthen your connection even further, don’t miss our guide on Dog Bonding Activities: How to Build a Healthy, Happy Relationship With Your Dog.

1. Hugging Them Too Much

We humans equate hugs with comfort and love — but in the dog world, prolonged hugging often feels like restraint. Many dogs, especially those who are anxious or shy, interpret being tightly held as a sign of dominance or even a threat.

Sure, some dogs have learned to tolerate hugs — a few may even enjoy them — but for the majority, it’s not a natural or pleasant experience. Their tolerance shouldn’t be mistaken for enjoyment.

Repeated hugging can create subtle stress and make your dog avoid you when they see you approaching with open arms. If your dog stiffens, turns their head, yawns, or licks their lips during a hug, it’s a sign they’re uncomfortable.

Replace hugs with affection that dogs do understand — gentle petting on the chest, soft scratches behind the ears, or calmly sitting beside them

2. Wearing Strong Perfume or Using Scented Products

Your dog’s sense of smell is anywhere from 10,000 to 100,000 times more powerful than yours. So that new floral lotion or vanilla-scented air freshener? It’s like blasting their nose with a foghorn.

Dogs navigate the world with their nose — and strong artificial scents can be overwhelming, disorienting, or even irritating to them. Overexposure to strong scents can cause sneezing, nausea, and general irritability in dogs. In some cases, it can even discourage them from approaching you.

If your dog starts avoiding you right after you’ve applied perfume or cleaning products, their nose may be trying to flee what they perceive as a toxic cloud. Switch to unscented grooming products, or use natural, pet-safe alternatives like lavender (in minimal, diluted amounts) which are less irritating to sensitive snouts.

3. Talking Constantly Without Clear Commands

We love chatting with our dogs — and they love hearing our voices. But when we speak in long, emotional monologues (“Oh my goooodnessss you’re such a cute baby! Yes you are! Did you miss mama?!”), they often have no clue what we’re trying to say.

Dogs are tuned in to tone and specific keywords, not full sentences. When commands or communication become too verbal or inconsistent, it can lead to confusion and stress. Over-verbalization dulls the impact of actual commands and can make your dog less responsive over time. Tilted head, lack of response to commands, or a “blank stare” look are all signs that your dog is confused.

Use short, consistent phrases (“Sit,” “Stay,” “Off”) and pair them with physical cues or hand gestures. It helps create a clear, predictable communication channel your dog can rely on.

4. Teasing Them for Laughs

It might seem funny to dangle a treat and then not give it, or to bark back at your dog — but from your pup’s perspective, this kind of teasing can be deeply confusing or even upsetting. What feels like play to us can feel like broken trust to them.

Dogs thrive on predictable, consistent behavior. When you tease them, it creates emotional whiplash and damages their trust in you. For example, pretending to throw the ball over and over again without actually doing it may lead to frustration, stress, and eventual disinterest in playing fetch at all.

Instead engage in honest play. Toss the ball. Deliver the treat. Be the person your dog can count on every time.

5. Forcing Social Interactions

Just like humans, dogs have their own social preferences.

Some love being the life of the dog park; others prefer quiet walks with their favorite human. Forcing your pup to interact with strangers — dog or human — can push them into anxious, reactive behavior.

Forcing dogs into uncomfortable social settings can trigger fear responses, aggression, or lead to long-term stress-related behaviors. A tucked tail, wide eyes, lip licking, yawning, trying to retreat — these all signal distress.

Learn your dog’s comfort zone and honor it. Socialization is important, but it should be gradual, positive, and always respectful.

6. Ignoring Their Body Language

Your dog is always communicating.

A wagging tail doesn’t always mean happiness, and a yawn doesn’t always mean tiredness. If you’re not tuned in, you might be missing signs of discomfort, fear, or stress.

Ignoring body language leads to misunderstandings — and in some cases, can escalate into bites or behavioral issues.

What to look for:

• Tail down or between the legs = fear
• Ears back = unease
• Whale eye (seeing the whites of their eyes) = nervousness
• Repeated yawning or lip licking = stress

Try to study canine body language. Once you speak their silent language, your bond will grow stronger than ever.

7. Dressing Them Up Excessively

A festive sweater or Halloween costume may seem adorable to us — but many dogs find clothing uncomfortable, restrictive, or downright annoying.

Dogs regulate temperature through their body and skin. Excess clothing can cause overheating, skin irritation, or anxiety, especially if it restricts their natural movement.

Watch their reaction. If your dog freezes, scratches at the outfit, or tries to escape, they’re not having fun — they’re tolerating it for your sake.

If you must dress them up, choose lightweight, breathable outfits, and limit wear time. Most importantly, reward them for tolerating it — and always prioritize their comfort over Instagram likes.

8. Leaving Them Alone Too Long

Dogs are pack animals.

Your absence isn’t just noticed — it’s felt. While most pups can handle a few hours alone, long periods of isolation can lead to separation anxiety, destructive behavior, or even depression.

Extended loneliness isn’t just sad — it’s harmful. It affects mental stimulation, emotional well-being, and overall behavior.

How to help:

• Hire a dog walker or use a pet sitter app.
• Leave treat-dispensing puzzles or calming music.
• Prioritize quality time when you return.
• Even a short, 15-minute walk with eye contact and praise goes a long way in healing the emotional gap.

9. Using Inconsistent Rules and Boundaries

Dogs thrive on structure.

When the rules change based on your mood, schedule, or the day of the week, it creates confusion and stress. Imagine if one day you’re allowed on the couch, but the next you’re scolded for it — that emotional rollercoaster isn’t just confusing for your pup, it erodes their confidence and stability over time. Dogs don’t understand “sometimes” — they understand consistency.

This inconsistency can lead to behavioral issues, anxiety, and even defiance, not because your dog is “acting out,” but because they genuinely don’t know what’s expected. To your dog, predictability equals safety. When you establish clear rules and follow through, they can relax, knowing exactly where the boundaries lie.

Create household rules (e.g., no jumping on guests, no food begging, or off-limits furniture) and ensure everyone in the family follows them consistently. This doesn’t make you a strict parent — it makes you a trustworthy leader, which is what your dog instinctively craves.

10. Punishing Instead of Training

Yelling, hitting, or using fear-based discipline never teaches your dog what to do — it only tells them what not to do, and in a way that damages your bond. Fear-based corrections may stop the behavior in the moment, but they build anxiety, mistrust, and often lead to worse behaviors down the line, especially in sensitive or rescue dogs.

Think of it like this: would you learn better from a teacher who calmly guided you toward the right answer, or one who screamed every time you made a mistake? Dogs are eager to learn — they just need clarity, patience, and positive reinforcement.

Use reward-based training methods that reinforce good behaviors rather than punishing the bad. Timing and consistency are key. A simple treat and a cheerful “yes!” can teach far more than a harsh “NO!” ever will.

11. Not Giving Them Enough Mental Stimulation

Physical exercise is vital, but dogs also need mental enrichment.

When their minds go underused, boredom sets in — and boredom in dogs often turns into chewing shoes, digging up the garden, or obsessive barking. A tired body can still have a restless mind, and that inner tension can manifest in unhealthy ways.

Dogs are natural problem-solvers, hunters, and thinkers. They enjoy tasks, puzzles, and challenges that engage their senses. Breeds like Border Collies, German Shepherds, and Poodles, in particular, have sharp minds that need stimulation just as much as — if not more than — their bodies do.

Food-dispensing toys, scent games, or trick training can keep your dog engaged and fulfilled. Even short “find the treat” games or rotating their toys weekly can make a huge difference.

12. Petting Them in Annoying or Invasive Ways

Some spots are heavenly for dogs (hello, ear rubs and chest scratches), while others are off-limits (hello, random tail grabbing).

Too often, humans touch dogs in ways that are either overstimulating or intrusive, especially when they’re not in the mood. Think of it like someone tickling your armpit while you’re trying to nap — not cute.

What’s more, some owners pet their dogs when the dog is in a reactive or agitated state, accidentally reinforcing that stress. Or worse, they pet rougher and faster, like revving up a car instead of calming it down.

Learn where your dog enjoys being touched and approach gently, especially around the face, paws, or belly. If your dog leans into your touch or relaxes, keep going. If they flinch, pull away, or move, respect that signal — and build deeper trust by honoring it.

13. Skipping Daily Walks or Outdoor Time

Even with a big backyard, skipping walks can be a huge letdown for dogs.

Dogs don’t just go on walks to potty — they go to explore. Sniffing the world is how dogs “read the news,” and it’s a vital part of their sensory and emotional well-being. A yard is static. A walk is full of new smells, sights, and surprises that feed their curiosity.

When dogs don’t get walked regularly, they can develop pent-up energy, depression, and even destructiveness. It’s not about just movement — it’s about stimulation, exploration, and connection with you.

Aim for two walks a day — even short ones — and let your dog sniff freely for part of it. Let it be their time, not just a chore to cross off your list.

14. Playing Loud Music or Creating Chaotic Environments

Dogs are sensitive to sound and energy.

Loud music, shouting, constant television, or chaotic movement in the home can stress them out — especially for breeds known to be emotionally intuitive, like Golden Retrievers or Greyhounds.

If you’re throwing a party, having an argument, or playing blasting bass, your dog may not just be annoyed — they may be terrified. Their ears are finely tuned, and their hearts even more so. Noise pollution isn’t just an urban issue — it’s a household one, too.

Create quiet zones your dog can retreat to. Use white noise machines or calming music (yes, there are playlists for dogs!) and always give your dog a safe space when things get hectic.

15. Treating Them Like a Toy, Not a Living Being

The last — and maybe most important — mistake many owners make is treating dogs more like accessories or entertainment than the deeply feeling, conscious, emotionally aware beings they truly are.

Dogs are family. They form deep bonds, feel grief, experience joy, and depend on us not just for food and shelter, but for emotional care and respect.
Treating a dog like a stuffed animal — picking them up when they don’t want it, dressing them up endlessly, ignoring their distress, or seeing them as “just a pet” — robs them of the dignity and individuality they deserve.

Remember that your dog is a Soul in fur. Honor their emotions. Learn their likes and dislikes. Build a relationship based on mutual trust and love — and you’ll be rewarded with the deepest, most loyal friendship of your life.

Takeaways

• Dogs need consistency, respect, and engagement — not just food and shelter.
• Hugging, yelling, skipping walks, or ignoring body language can deeply upset them.
• Show love in ways they enjoy, not just how we’re used to expressing it.
• Positive reinforcement always outperforms punishment.
• A fulfilled dog is a happier, healthier dog — and that joy radiates into your life, too.

Don’t miss our article on Dog Bonding Activities: How to Build a Healthy, Happy Relationship With Your Dog for actionable tips.

Final Thoughts

We all love our dogs — endlessly, deeply, and sometimes clumsily. But love means listening, learning, and evolving. By becoming aware of the things dogs hate that owners do, you can grow into a better, more conscious companion for your pup.

This isn’t about being perfect. It’s about showing up with compassion, curiosity, and commitment to doing better — because your dog already thinks the world of you. Let’s make sure we’re giving them the same in return.

Take the next step toward a deeper, happier connection with your dog by exploring Dog Bonding Activities: How to Build a Healthy, Happy Relationship With Your Dog. And if your dog is acting out or showing signs of discomfort, a visit to a professional vet near you for dogs can help rule out health-related causes and guide better behavior support.

FAQs

1. Is it really bad to dress up my dog for photos?

Only if your dog shows signs of distress. Some dogs enjoy it, but others may freeze or feel anxious. Always check body language.

2. How can I tell if my dog hates something I’m doing?

Watch for signs like ears back, tail tucked, yawning, lip licking, turning away, or trying to escape. Those are classic “please stop” signals.

3. Can punishment ever work in dog training?

Punishment may suppress behavior, but it doesn’t teach alternatives. Positive reinforcement is more effective and builds trust.

4. Do all dogs need walks even with a big yard?

Yes! Yards don’t provide new smells, challenges, or bonding opportunities the way walks do.

Share: