What Dogs Hate: 8 Things Their Humans Do

Dogs are famous for their patience, loyalty, and general tolerance of us, but even the most easygoing dog has limits. A lot of what makes dogs cringe is stuff we do without ever meaning harm. Here are 8 common things dogs hate that their humans do, and what to try instead.

A dog’s nose is roughly 10,000 to 100,000 times more sensitive than a human’s, depending on the breed and the study. What smells pleasant to us can be genuinely overwhelming to a dog, and heavy perfume or air freshener sprayed near them can cause real discomfort, even respiratory irritation in sensitive dogs. If you want to freshen up, do it in another room.

Dogs enjoy affection on their own terms, and constant hugging or kissing, especially when they are not in the mood, can wear on that patience. Canine researcher Dr. Stanley Coren analyzed 250 photos of dogs being hugged and found visible stress signals, like a turned head or a half-moon eye showing white, in more than 80 percent of them. Watch your dog’s body language: if they pull away, give them space instead of closing the gap further.

Fireworks, vacuum cleaners, thunder, shouting, sudden movement: all of it can startle a dog, especially one who is already anxious or timid. Keep things calm during noisy moments where you can, and give an anxious dog a quiet space to retreat to when loud activity is unavoidable.

May is also Responsible Animal Guardian Month, a good reminder to think about what responsible, attentive care looks like day to day, not just in moments like these.

Being woken abruptly from a deep sleep is unpleasant for dogs too. Waking a sleeping dog unnecessarily can leave them grumpy and disoriented, so let sleeping dogs lie when you can.

Dogs do well on routine and regular exercise. Skipping a daily walk leaves pent-up energy behind, and inconsistent feeding, potty, or sleep schedules can leave a dog feeling unsettled, since they rely on you for all of it.

Dogs cannot tell you when something feels off, so it is on you to notice. Skipped vet visits, ignored signs of illness, and neglected dental care can all turn into bigger problems. Regular checkups and a close eye on changes in behavior or appearance go a long way.

Plenty of dogs tolerate a bath fine, but just as many dread it: the unfamiliar sounds, a slippery tub, and the soap itself can all add stress. Warm water, a gentle pet-specific shampoo, a non-slip mat, and plenty of patience and treats all help. Regular brushing between baths also cuts down on how often a full bath is even necessary, since it keeps loose hair, dirt, and dander from building up in the coat. Our bathing frequency guide covers how often is actually enough for most dogs.

Dogs are social by nature, and long stretches alone can lead to anxiety, low mood, and destructive behavior. If your schedule is demanding, a pet sitter, dog walker, or daycare can help fill the gap. If it is already a problem for your dog, our separation anxiety tips cover 18 ways to help.

Paying attention to what your dog actually dislikes, not just what you assume they enjoy, goes a long way toward a calmer, happier relationship on both ends of the leash.

Regular brushing is one thing that works in your favor with almost every dog on this list. The 5″ EquiGroomer uses micro-barbed teeth to gently remove loose hair, dirt, and dander from the ends of the coat instead of digging into it, which brings up the coat’s natural oils along the way and helps cut down on how often a full bath is needed in the first place.