Things You Shouldn’t Do to a Dog

Even if we love our dogs to bits, we sometimes do things they absolutely hate. Most of the time, we mean well – we just don’t know better.

Just like dogs don’t realize that jumping on people or sniffing their crotch might be a bit much, we often unknowingly do stuff that stresses them out or makes them uncomfortable. Here’s a quick reality check.

Staring

To a dog, direct eye contact can mean a challenge – especially if it comes from a stranger. While locking eyes with your dog can strengthen your bond, staring at a dog you don’t know might come across as a threat.

Some shy or anxious dogs can even feel uneasy when their own guardian looks at them intensely.

So instead of giving a dog the hard stare, glance briefly and avoid facing them head-on. And absolutely don’t stare down a fearful or reactive dog. That’s asking for trouble.

Hugging

Hugging is great—for primates. Dogs? Not so much. Many dogs tolerate hugs from their trusted humans, but even then, it’s not always enjoyable. For a dog, being hugged can feel like restraint or even a power move.

Hugs from strangers or children can be downright stressful.

Teach your kids (and the adults in your life) to show affection by scratching or gentle petting instead of clamping their arms around a dog.

Yelling

To a dog, yelling sounds like aggressive barking. It doesn’t teach them anything—it just stresses them out.

Dogs have excellent hearing. If they’re laser-focused on something, try using a unique, high-pitched sound like “trrrrt!” to get their attention.

If you’re not happy with their behavior, use a calm, low, firm voice or better yet, guide them toward a better choice in a positive tone.

Yelling mostly tells your dog you’ve lost emotional control. And when you’re unbalanced, they’re less likely to listen.

Teasing

Kids (and some adults…) sometimes think it’s funny to tease dogs—poking them, barking at them, chasing them, pulling tails or ears, pretending to throw the ball, or playing with laser pointers.

To the dog, this isn’t fun. It’s confusing, frustrating, and stressful. And all that can lead to aggression.

Bottom line: don’t mess with your dog for laughs.

Leaving Them Alone All Day

Dogs are social animals. They want to be with their people.

Separation anxiety gets a lot of attention, but sometimes a dog isn’t “anxious” – they’re just reacting to what, for them, is an unnatural level of isolation.

If you work all day, make sure the time you are home includes quality time with your dog. Let them join in your daily life, bring them along when you can, and don’t treat them like furniture until the next walk.

Petting on the Head

Many people want to pet every cute dog they meet. But not every dog likes people—and certainly not random strangers reaching for their head.

Leaning over a dog and patting their head can feel threatening, and some dogs may react with aggression.

Always ask the guardian before greeting a dog. That gives the dog a moment to read the situation, too.

Let the dog approach you — don’t invade their space.

On-Leash Greetings

It’s common to tighten the leash when another dog approaches. Unfortunately, this sets both dogs up for a bad interaction.

Leashes restrict natural movement and body language. As a dog pulls forward, their posture changes in ways that may signal dominance — even if unintentional.

Tension from the leash, plus stress from the human holding it, can escalate things fast.

If possible, loosen the leash or unclip it and let the dogs greet naturally.

If your dog isn’t ready for greetings, no problem — do not force the situation.