A Harvard psychologist recently declared that dogs are likely to relive their experiences with humans when they dream. Those yips and kicks we see are their reactions to pleasing or annoying us in dreamland.
For better or worse, our dogs’ entire lives revolve around us. It can leave lasting emotional scars if they do not get enough of our time or that time is marred by unwarranted punishments.
Dog owners usually make one of these seven mistakes because they simply do not understand canine behavior. It is important to know why dogs do what they do to avoid inadvertently damaging your precious relationship.
1. Rubbing Their Nose In It
Think about it: you use the bathroom for 6 – 10 hours at work. Chances are your dog also has to go during that time, and sometimes he or she may be unable to hold it. Once a dog is potty trained, accidents in the house can signify distress, physical illness, or simply going too long without a break.
Yelling or “rubbing their nose in it” will not teach your dog to potty outside, but it will teach him to fear you and unnecessarily hurt his feelings.
2. Rejecting Attention
We can’t give our dogs attention 24/7, but ignoring or pushing them away too often may hurt their feelings. If you reject your dog every time they seek your attention, it’s sure to put them in a bad mood. Dogs rely on their humans for everything. They look up to us because we’re their whole world. So, don’t hesitate to give your dog a few extra ear scratches if they’re staring longingly at you.
3. Not Providing Enough Playtime
It’s one thing to halfheartedly pat your pup on the head as you breeze through the door with an armload of groceries; it’s quite another to set aside designated one-on-one time. No matter how busy your life is, it’s important to prioritize time to do something your dog enjoys. Whether it’s 10 minutes of fetch, a nice evening walk, or just cuddle time on the couch, a dog’s level of happiness depends on the attention they receive from their favorite humans.
4. Punishing Fearful Behavior
Cowering, raised hackles, flattened ears, tucked tails, and growling are all signs that your pup is not comfortable in a particular situation. They need to be calmly and quietly removed from the upsetting stimulus at these times. Yelling and over-assertiveness on your part will only escalate the situation. Fearful behavior can often be mistaken for aggression in dogs and vice versa, so if this is an issue you are dealing with, contact a professional trainer.
5. Being Inconsistent With The Rules
We are probably all guilty of this from time to time. It doesn’t matter whether you have one household rule for your dog or fifty. What does matter is remaining consistent. If sleeping on the furniture is a no-no, don’t decide to let your pup snuggle on the bed while you’re sick, then punish him the next day when he hops up for a nap! The same goes for leash-pulling, begging, and jumping up.
6. Using the Crate as a Punishment
Crates can be confusing to dogs if not used consistently. A crate is supposed to be a comfortable, safe space for dogs to rest in. Many dog parents use them when leaving their dogs alone. However, some families also put their dogs in the crate as a punishment, which contradicts the “safe space” mindset. Treating the crate as a punishment will only cause your dog to fear it instead of feeling comfortable.
7. Segregation From The Pack
The one thing on earth that will hurt your dog more than anything else is keeping him away from his family. Remember, you are his whole world! Some owners are unable or unwilling to provide the necessary training dogs need to understand what is expected of them. These misunderstood pups are labeled “bad” and isolated to a kennel or backyard – possibly even abandoned.
Dogs want to make us happy. More than treats or toys, they crave our love and approval. If you are having trouble with your dog’s behavior, seek professional help from your veterinarian or an experienced dog trainer.
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