14 things you do that your dog actually hates

You can pat your dog on her head, but that’s only because she loves you and recognises you as the one in charge. For the most part, dogs really dislike being patted on the head, says Meg Marrs, a dog behaviour expert and senior editor at K9 of Mine. This is doubly true for anyone who’s not you. “To a dog, a head pat is a somewhat rude and threatening gesture, especially when the human stands over the dog, as most do,” she explains. Instead? Dogs prefer it if you crouch down to their level and let them come to you. And if you are petting another dog, opt for chin or chest scratches instead of head pats.

If you’re in the market for a dog that won’t make too much noise, check out these 13 breeds that won’t bark too much.

This may be hard to hear but your chill, friendly pup may not be as into street meet-and-greets as you think he is. “While your dog may adore your affections, he may not be so keen when it comes to others,” says Marrs. He may do it to please you, but if he shows any signs of discomfort, don’t push it. “It’s important to respect a dog’s wishes and give them space if they don’t seem interested in saying ‘hi’ to strange people or dogs.”

Does your dog exhibit anxious behaviour? Here are 7 surprising reasons why they may be feeling anxious.

No one wants to smell like their dog (we assume) but the opposite is definitely not true. Your dog takes a great deal of comfort in your scent and the stinkier, the better, Marrs says. You may prefer the scent of freshly washed sheets and clothing, but your dog prefers your natural scent. Indulge them by giving them one of your sweaty shirts to snuggle with while you give everything else a good wash, she says.

Finding it hard to stay on top of doggy dirt? Check out these essential pet cleaning hacks.

Eh, your dog doesn’t mind curling up on the couch with you for a Netflix marathon every once in a while, but if your first instinct when you get home from work is to kick off your shoes and spend the rest of the night in, your dog is going to suffer. “Dogs are desperate for stimulation,” Marrs says. “While most owners know that their dog needs a couple of walks each day, many don’t realize that their dog also needs mental stimulation by playing with you or interactive toys.” Make sure you’re taking some time every day to get your dog the mental and physical exercise he needs.

Getting moving isn’t the only way dogs can improve your health. Find out these other health benefits of keeping pets.

Think you’re helping your dog by telling her she’s fine, you’re fine, and everything is great? While speaking in a soothing tone can be calming, constantly reassuring her may be confusing – especially if what you’re saying doesn’t match your emotions or actions, says Andrew Horan, dog expert and owner of Citizen K9. “Dogs don’t need to be told everything will be okay, they don’t know what that means,” he explains. “Instead, show your dog that everything is okay by demonstrating calm behaviour, and they’ll follow your cues.”

Does your partner forbid the dog from the bedroom while you let your pup sleep with you the second your partner is out of town? Stop. It. Now. “Dogs absolutely hate mixed signals,” Horan says. “Inconsistent rules cause confusion, confusion leads to frustration, and frustration leads to anxiety, destruction, or even aggression.” So don’t bring your dog into your pet-parenting battles; make sure you and your partner maintain the same consistent rules, always.

Some owners think that letting their dog have the run of the place is a great way to pamper their favourite four-legged friend. Nope. “Most dogs are not born leaders and they do not want to be in charge of anything,” Horan says. “They need you to give them structure and they like knowing where they fall in the chain of command.” However, dogs will take a leadership role if they feel no one else is providing it, which can cause some serious issues, like aggression (especially towards children), destroying furniture, or pooing on your carpet, he adds.

Here’s how to tell if your dog trusts you.

People, especially kids, love to hug their dogs, and because they seem to put up with it, you may think your dog enjoys the close contact as much as you do. We’ve got some bad news for you: Hugging dogs makes them feel scared and anxious, according to one (controversial) study, in Psychology Today. Hugs restrict their movement and can feel intimidating, particularly if you’re getting right up in their face with yours, says Erin Askeland, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, a pet behaviourist and training manager at Camp Bow Wow.

Check out these adorable pics of little kids and their big dogs.

Dogs have the biggest, cutest, most expressive eyes, so it’s no wonder you love to look into them. But sustained eye contact isn’t the bonding experience you think it is; in fact, it can make your dog feel intimidated, pressured, uncomfortable, and confused, says Melissa McCue-McGrath, CPDT-KA, author of Considerations for the City Dog. Make sure to give your pup lots of love and attention, but skip the deep staring.

Dogs see the world through their noses and sniffing around is how they stay connected. So it’s important to let your dog meander and take in all the smells instead of forcing them to walk briskly with no breaks, McCue-McGrath says. “Sniffy walks give your dog an opportunity to check their ‘pee-mail,’ catch up on all the neighbourhood dog news, or see what wild critter skittered by just a few hours prior,” she says. While you’re at it, take a cue from your dog and relax and smell the roses yourself.

Check out these etiquette rules every dog owner needs to know.