You love your dog, but sometimes the things you do at home might be driving them a little crazy.
Dogs can’t tell us in words what bothers them, so they show it through their behavior and body language.
Understanding what makes your furry friend uncomfortable can help you build a stronger bond and create a happier home for everyone.
While this article is based on common canine behaviors and expert insights, every dog is unique.
Always consult with a veterinarian or certified dog behaviorist for advice specific to your pet’s needs.
1. Wrapping Your Arms Around Them
Hugging feels natural to us humans, but your dog might see it differently.
When you wrap your arms around your pup, they can feel trapped or dominated, which triggers stress instead of comfort.
Many dogs will tolerate hugs from their favourite people, but watch for signs like turning their head away, licking their lips, or stiffening up.
Try showing affection through gentle petting, belly rubs, or sitting close instead.
2. Pushing Social Interactions They Don’t Want
Not every dog is a social butterfly, and that’s perfectly okay.
Forcing your shy or anxious dog to greet strangers, play with unfamiliar dogs, or accept attention from guests can create serious stress and anxiety.
Respecting your dog’s boundaries teaches them to trust you more.
Let them approach new people and animals at their own pace, and never punish them for feeling nervous or scared.
3. Rushing Through Walk Time
Your dog’s nose is their window to the world, and sniffing is how they read the daily news.
When you constantly pull them along during walks without letting them explore scents, you’re taking away one of their greatest joys.
Those sniff sessions aren’t just fun, they provide crucial mental stimulation that tires them out as much as physical exercise does.
Build extra sniffing time into your walks.
4. Keeping An Unpredictable Schedule
Dogs are creatures of habit who feel most secure when they know what to expect each day.
Irregular meal times, random walk schedules, and inconsistent bedtimes can leave your pup feeling anxious and confused.
Establishing a predictable routine helps reduce stress and can even improve behaviour problems.
Try feeding, walking, and playing with your dog around the same times each day for a calmer, happier companion.
5. Using Overpowering Scents Everywhere
Your favourite perfume or that fresh linen spray might smell amazing to you, but it’s overwhelming for your dog.
With a sense of smell up to 100,000 times more powerful than ours, dogs can find strong fragrances from cleaning products, air fresheners, and personal care items genuinely irritating or even painful.
Watch for signs like sneezing, scratching, or avoiding certain rooms.
Choose fragrance free or mild products when possible.
6. Leaving Them Alone Too Long
Dogs are pack animals who crave companionship, so extended periods of isolation can trigger genuine distress.
When left alone for too many hours, dogs may develop separation anxiety, leading to destructive chewing, excessive barking, or house training accidents.
These aren’t acts of spite, they’re cries for help.
Consider dog daycare, pet sitters, or adjusting your schedule to reduce their alone time and ease their worry.
