Sometimes our dogs cringe at the stuff we do!

There are lots of ways we can communicate with our dogs that make them happy and loved and help them know that they are important to us.  However there are some things that dogs would rather we did not make them endure.  I am not just talking about funny outfits for Halloween or asking them not to eat the candy canes off the Christmas tree.  There are real ways we are making it harder on our pups.

They don’t like it when we:

 1) Give them hugs.  Dogs don’t greet each other the way humans do.  For some dogs, a hug is a show of dominance but for others, not so much. Know your dog’s limits and treat unfamiliar dogs with respect until you know how much touch they can handle.

2) Give them a bath….but not for the reasons you might think.  Dogs have a natural smell and they like wearing it.  Other things a dog might not like about baths are: temperature of the water, the water pressure, not getting all the shampoo out which can leave a dog feeling itchy, and the slippery tub/shower where a dog might get injured. 

3) Looking directly into the eyes of unfamiliar dogs.  Just as a dog can misconstrue a hug, so can looking an unknown dog directly in the eyes.  They see it as a threat or someone trying to establish dominance.  In fact, a long stare can be a precursor to a bite.  So don’t have a staring contest with an unfamiliar dog.

4) Providing no structure or routine.  Dogs don’t want a free for all.  They actually like structure and rules.  When there are rules and structure, things are a lot more predictable and less stressful for them.  Structure can come by creating daily routines or involving them in some kind of training classes. 

5) Using verbal ques more than body language.  In most cases, your dog knows the commands you have taught but he/she does not have an understanding of normal day-to-day conversation.  You should avoid unintentional signals.  Make sure your body and your words match.  Try to use the same tone when you say commands.

6) Making them feel isolated.  Dogs are social animals and they need contact with their humans.  Isolation terrifies dogs.  A dog can develop separation anxiety or desperation when left alone too much.  All dogs are different, but make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise as well as play time and attention from you each day.

Think about these things the next time you are asking your dog to take part in these activities and try to see it from his/her point of view.  If you have a specific issue, talk to your trainer or vet and come up with a solution.