17 Things Humans Do That Dogs Hate

From eating bacon in their presence to walking too quickly, these are 17 things humans do that dogs hate. Don’t worry; we’ve also included a few tips on how to make up for it!

If you’re guilty of any of these, your dog probably isn’t too fond of you.

It’s safe to say that most of us love our pets. We provide them with food, shelter, and plenty of love and attention. But even the best pet owners sometimes do things that their furry (or scaly) friends don’t appreciate.

Do you feel like your dog is always mad at you? It may not be entirely your fault. Check out the list below to see if you’re doing anything that dogs just can’t stand. 

Here are 17 things you may be doing that your dog actually hates, according to experts.

1. Yelling Or Hitting

Yelling at or hitting your dog is never ok. Not only is it cruel, but it can also severely damage your relationship with your pet. Dogs are incredibly sensitive creatures, and they will quickly learn to fear and avoid someone who hurts them. If you need to discipline your dog, do so in a calm and gentle manner.

2. Forcing Them To Interact With People Or Other Animals

Dogs are social creatures, but that doesn’t mean they want to be forced to interact with people or animals they don’t know. If your dog shows signs of discomfort or fear (such as cowering, growling, or trying to hide), respect their wishes and give them some space.

3. Leaving Them Alone For Long Periods Of Time

Dogs are pack animals, so they naturally crave companionship. If you have to leave your dog alone for more than a few hours, make sure they have plenty of toys and activities to keep them entertained, and consider hiring a dog walker to check on them during the day.

4. Ignoring Them When You Come Home

Dogs are thrilled to see their humans after being apart, so make sure you take a few minutes to greet your dog warmly when you come home. Otherwise, they may feel neglected and ignored.

5. Not Letting Them Sniff Around On Walks

One thing you might not realize you’re doing that your dog actually hates is not letting them sniff on walks. “Sniffing is how dogs communicate,” said Dr. Rachel Barrack, a veterinarian, and certified veterinary acupuncturist. “When you don’t let a dog stop and sniff, it’s like you’re not speaking their language.”

Think about it from your own perspective: if you were out for a walk and someone continuously yanked you away from interesting things or people you wanted to check out, wouldn’t you be annoyed? Dogs are the same way. If they’re not allowed to stop and smell the roses (or, um, fire hydrants), they’re not going to be very happy.

6. Bathing Them Too Often

Bathing your dog too frequently can strip its coat of essential oils, leaving its skin dry and irritated. Unless your dog is particularly dirty or smelly, there’s no need to bathe them more than once or twice every few months.

7. Skipping The Vet Appointments

Like humans, dogs need to visit the doctor for regular check-ups and vaccinations. If you skip your dog’s vet appointments, not only are you putting their health at risk, but you’re also sending the message that you don’t care about their well-being.

8. Feeding Them Table Scraps

While it may be tempting to share your food with your furry friend, feeding them table scraps can actually be bad for their health. Many human foods, such as chocolate, onions, and grapes, are poisonous to dogs. Stick to their regular dog food, and save the people’s food for yourself.

9. Not Letting Them Get Enough Exercise

Dogs are active creatures, and they need to burn off energy on a regular basis. If you don’t provide your dog with enough opportunities to run and play, they may start acting out in destructive ways, such as chewing on furniture or digging holes in the yard.

10. Keeping Them Cooped Up In A Small Space

Dogs need plenty of room to move around and explore. If you keep them confined to a small space, such as a crate or a tiny yard, they’re likely to become bored, anxious, and restless. Give your dog space to roam, and they’ll be much happier.

11. Dressing Them In Uncomfortable Clothes

Dogs generally don’t like to wear clothes, so unless it’s necessary for their health (such as a sweater in cold weather), it’s best to let them go au naturel. If you do dress them up, make sure the clothing is comfortable and not too constricting.

12. Teasing Them With Food

Teasing your dog with food is a surefire way to annoy them. Dogs are serious about their food, and they don’t appreciate having it dangled in front of their noses only to be taken away again. If you want to give your dog a treat, just give it to them instead of playing games.

13. Taking Away Their Favorite Toys

Dogs get attached to their favorite toys, and taking them away can be pretty upsetting. If your dog has a toy that they love, try to avoid taking it away from them unless absolutely necessary.

14. Shouting At Them

Yelling at your dog is not only ineffective, but it’s also cruel.

Here are four reasons why you should never shout at your dog:

1. It’s Ineffective

Yelling at your dog does not get them to do what you want them to do. In fact, it often has the opposite effect. Dogs will often become scared or anxious when they are shouted at, which can lead to them becoming more resistant to whatever it is you’re trying to get them to do.

2. It’s Cruel

Think about how you would feel if someone constantly shouted at you. It would be incredibly stressful and upsetting, wouldn’t it? Well, that’s how your dog feels when you shout at them.

3. It Damages Your Relationship With Your Dog

Every time you shout at your dog, you’re damaging the bond between you and them. Dogs are incredibly sensitive creatures, and they can tell when we’re angry or upset. When you shout at your dog, they’ll start to associate you with those negative feelings, which will make it harder for them to trust and love you.

4. There Are Better Ways To Train Your Dog

If you’re finding that shouting at your dog is not getting the desired results, then it’s time to try a different approach. Things like positive reinforcement training (rewarding your dog for good behavior) or clicker training (using a clicker to mark desired behavior) are much more effective and kinder ways to train your dog.

15. Being Inconsistent With The Rules

Dogs thrive on predictability and routine, so it’s important to be consistent with the rules you set for them. If you’re constantly changing the rules, your dog will have difficulty understanding what’s expected of them.

16. Ignoring Their Good Behavior

Dogs love to be praised, and they quickly learn which behaviors are likely to earn them a positive reaction from you. If you ignore your dog’s good behavior, they’ll eventually stop doing it altogether. Make sure to give your furry friend plenty of praise when they deserve it.

17. Punishing Them For No Reason

Punishing your dog for no reason is cruel and unjust, and it will only serve to damage your relationship with them. If you want to discipline your dog, make sure that there’s a clear reason for it and that the punishment is appropriate for the offense.

Things Humans Do That Dogs Hate Conclusion

It’s important to remember that even though our dogs might not always appreciate everything we do, they still love us unconditionally. So, the next time you lean in for a big smooch, and your dog tries to scoot away, remember they put up with a lot because they absolutely adore you!

Remember… Owning a dog should be FUN, not a chore! 

My name is Mark and I currently live in Australia.

I am passionate about educating Doggie parents and helping you to make the best possible decisions to help your dog live a long, happy and healthy life.

As a Dog trainer & behaviorist I have always used The Dog Solution methods with a 100% success rate.
Feel free to contact us, and stay tuned for updates and informative posts on dog care, training, diet, and much more!

“Dogs do speak, but only to those who know how to listen” – Orhan Pamuk