Isn’t it amazing how your dog seems to pick up on every little change in your mood? Yet, somehow, you miss the signs that they’re upset.
Dogs can’t sit you down for a heart-to-heart when something’s bothering them, but they’re definitely telling you. Dogs may not speak human language, but their body language says it all.
If your pup is giving you the long face, here are the 10 everyday things that hurt your dog’s feelings.
Contents
1. Ignoring Them
Dogs are social creatures. You can see it in how they light up like a Christmas tree when you walk through the door!
From gentle boops to belly rubs, your attention means the world to them. It’s incredible how much they flourish in positive interactions.
But did you know that brushing off their attempts to connect can leave them feeling rejected? Over time, chronic neglect might even cause fearful behavior or signs of aggression.
Good thing it’s so easy to keep your pup happy! Just carve out some special time each day for your furry companion. Mix it up with fun play sessions, daily walks, or snuggles on the couch.
Read Next: 10 Warning Signs Dog Owners Tend to Ignore
2. Yelling at Them
When you yell at your dog, it’s not teaching them anything—it just makes them confused and panicked. You might blow off steam by raising your voice, but your pup can develop fear-based aggression or resort to bad behavior like acting out or sneaking away.
So, keep calm and stick to proper obedience training. You’ll be amazed how quickly dogs catch on when you make learning fun!
A tasty treat, an enthusiastic “good boy,” or a quick play session creates positive experiences that help your dog understand what you want.
Read Next: 10 Myths about Dogs You Should Stop Believing
3. Rubbing Their Nose In It
Here’s an old myth that won’t go away: the “rub their nose in it” approach to potty training.
Honestly, this outdated method does way more harm than good.
Dogs don’t make the connection you might think they would. Instead of learning where they should do their business, they just learn to feel anxious around their humans.
Dogs live in the moment. By the time you’ve discovered the “accident,” your pup has probably forgotten all about it. So, what’s the point of punishing them and getting them stressed out?
If you catch them in the act inside the house, calmly interrupt and redirect them outdoors. And those indoor accidents? Simply clean them up without fuss and monitor their schedule to prevent the next one.
Read Next: 10 Signs Your Dog Needs More Love
4. Ignoring Their Pain
Pain doesn’t just hurt your dog physically—it affects their happiness too. After all, how can anyone enjoy the things they love when they’re in some kind of pain?
Fortunately, signs of pain are easy to spot in dogs. A limp leg, whining more than usual, or a distended abdomen are some warning signs.
What many pet parents don’t realize is that serious health conditions like dental disease, abdominal pain, and kidney disease can sneak up quietly. Your normally bouncy buddy might just seem “a little off” at first.
Keep an eye out for any behavior and physical changes that seem unusual. Consult your vet ASAP if you notice these other common signs: excessive thirst, weight loss, or even potential aggression.
Read Next: 10 Things Your Dog Will Never Forgive
5. Rushed Walks
For your dog, walks are adventures, and rushing them along takes all the fun out of it
Dogs will sniff, explore, and check every tree, lamppost, and fire hydrant, given the chance. If you deny them the experience, it can lead to frustration and stressful situations.
Keep your pup happy by allowing them plenty of time to take in their surroundings during walks. Use a slack leash and avoid constant tugging to let them enjoy the world.
Read Next: 10 Signs of a Happy Dog
6. Loud Noises
Dogs have superhuman hearing. A vacuum cleaner roaring at 70–80 decibels is like standing next to a thundering truck for them. Their ultra-sensitive ears pick up frequencies and volumes we can barely register.
Loud, sudden sounds are stressful to your pup, so never force them to endure the noise. Instead, help them feel safe by creating calm spaces during cleaning or gradually introducing them to loud sounds, such as thunderstorms and firecrackers.
Read Next: 10 Reasons Dogs Make Better Pets than Cats
7. Not Enough Playtime
Dogs need playtime just like we need our hobbies. Without it, they can get bored, develop bad behavior, or put on those extra pounds we all want to avoid.
Some dogs may even turn destructive, especially high-energy breeds like Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, and Jack Russell Terriers. They require constant mental and physical stimulation, or else they’ll dig holes or chew furniture.
So, make play part of your daily routine. A game of fetch, some tug-of-war, or those clever puzzle toys—whatever gets your dog excited and moving.
Read Next: 10 Signs Your Dog is Bored and How to Fix Them
8. Using Crate as Punishment
When you use your dog’s crate for punishment, you’re turning their safe space into something scary.
A crate should be a place of comfort, not fear. It’s meant for rest, travel, and giving your dog a sense of security. Use soft bedding, toss in their favorite toys, and never use it as a time-out corner.
Read Next: 10 Signs Your Dog Considers You to be its Best Friend
9. Leaving Them
Dogs are pack animals by nature. Being left alone is not only boring, it can feel like abandonment.
Extended solo time can trigger serious emotional responses like separation anxiety or even depression.
If your schedule keeps you away often, get some help. A dog walker or doggy daycare can give them that undivided attention they need when you can’t be there.
Read Next: 10 Signs Your Dog Doesn’t Love You and What to do about it
10. Not Being Consistent
Dogs thrive on clear rules. Changing things up—like sometimes allowing couch time and sometimes not—confuses them.
It’s never wrong to be the bad cop parent. Pick your rules, enforce consistent routines, and stick to them. When dogs know what to expect, everyone’s happier.
Read Next: 10 Worst Mistakes You Can Make With Your Dog
Wrapping Up
Are any of these 10 everyday things that hurt your dog’s feelings true for your pup? Luckily, once you know better, you can do better.
Often, the smallest changes in how we interact with our dogs can make the biggest difference in their happiness.
Read Next: 10 Ways to Improve Your Relationship With Your Dog
This article was originally publised on The Discerning Cat.
Amanda O’Brien is the owner of The Dog Snobs website. She is dog mad and dog aunt to Clover in London and Poppy in Sydney. She can’t wait to have a schedule that allows her to have a dog of her own (for now it is two Siberian cats) and loves learning about dog breeds and dog behavior.