We do many things that can irritate or confuse our dogs, but we don’t know. Sometimes, our actions may send the wrong signals to our dog. You will be able to build a lasting bond with your dog by being aware of how your dog is misunderstood.

Confusion of the dog with different rules

It is important to establish rules and limits for your pet dog. It’s even more important to follow them. Dogs have a consistent routine, a set of rules and do’s that they follow daily. Pet owners often applaud a dog’s behaviour and then reprimand it again for the same thing. This can confuse the pet and cause stress and confusion. You offer your pet a bite of your food, and it asks for more. The next day, you invite a friend over to lunch. Your pet begs for a snack. You are the one responsible here, and not your dog.

Multiple commands for one reaction by the dog

Sticking to one word to communicate a command to your dog is the best thing. The pet will be confused if you use different words to mean the same thing. Your order will not get the desired response. The entire dog’s human family must use one word to communicate each command.

Dogs also don’t understand human language the same way we do. Dogs are more adept at recognizing signals through our body language than we are. For a canine to be obedient and successful, it is best to associate the appropriate body behaviour/body posture with the verbal cue/keyword.

You expect your dog to behave like a civilized person

Your dog will love to chew on your slippers and furniture, bark, sniff, and dig in your yard. It is simply returning to the way nature intended. It doesn’t understand your concepts like cleanliness and protecting expensive items from damage. It is best to be patient with your dog. Please don’t punish the dog or yell at it for undesirable behaviours.

Closely hugging your pet.

Humans interpret hugs as a way to show affection, love, and warmth to someone else. It has a completely different meaning in the dog world. Dogs see hugs as an act of dominance/authority. Dogs will often put their paw on the backs of other dogs to show their dominance. Rarely will you see a dog enjoying hugs from its human family? Sometimes, a dog will only tolerate being hugged by a family member but may be terrified of being hugged by another person.

Regarding dogs or hugs, it is important to be aware of signs that can indicate discomfort. Nervous body language can be exhibited by avoiding eye contact, moving away from you, and bending your face in the opposite direction. If your dog exhibits any of these behaviours, it may be anxious.

Do not disturb your dog’s sleeping.

If necessary, you can gently and slowly wake your dog up from deep sleep. To awaken your pet, gently touch it or talk to him. Dogs can be easily shocked by sudden or impulsive touches while asleep. A dog with a reduced hearing ability due to age or other causes may be afraid if it’s suddenly woken up. It is not able to hear footsteps and sounds around it. It is best to let your dog wake up naturally. You should inform your children if you have children.

Leave your pet alone for long hours.

Do you feel guilty for not spending as much time with your dog? Dogs left alone for long periods may experience separation anxiety, negative behaviour and defecating/urinating in the house. Dogs are wired to be part of a pack. When you adopt a dog, you will naturally be viewed by it as if you were a member of its pack. Dogs love to be socialized with their human family. You should ask a relative or friend to visit the dog each day or take the dog for a walk in the neighbourhood if you cannot leave the dog at home for an extended period. An animal-loving neighbour may be willing to care for the dog for a specific time.

Not giving the dog enough mental/physical stimulation and a chance to explore the natural world.

Dogs depend on you to provide the daily exercise, toys, and entertainment they need. Taking your dog for walks around the neighbourhood every day is important. Most dog breeds recommend a daily walk of 15 minutes twice daily. It is also important to allow your dog to explore and absorb the surroundings. Dogs love to smell interesting things and detect unusual smells. Dogs have a nose just like humans have eyes. Your dog should be able to smell the world around him. Don’t rush your dog home once it has relieved itself. Give it some time to enjoy the natural world around it by allowing it time to breathe in different places each day. To add variety to your dog’s daily routine, you can introduce it to a new track for walking every so often.