You could assume your dog is upset with you if you get home to find the property in shambles or if your dog doesn’t greet you as enthusiastically as normal. Learn the signs that your dog is distressed and what causes them by reading this guide.
Dogs and Anger
Finding out whether your dog hates you turns out to be the incorrect thing to ask. To be sure, even dogs may feel irritated by certain circumstances, but they don’t become angry at people the way you do. Anger, as defined by HealthyPsych, is a secondary emotion, a reaction to more fundamental feelings like fear and grief. Dogs can’t understand the complicated emotion of rage, but they can understand the simpler feelings that people mask with fury.
Additionally, Cuteness claims that canines do not place guilt in the same manner that people do. When your dog associates a negative emotion with a specific item or circumstance, such as when a puppy trips down the stairs while carrying a toy and is harmed, the toy isn’t the one at blame; it’s the puppy. Dogs can’t fathom the idea that you could be responsible for their distress.
Behavior Indicates Emotional State in Your Dog
If your dog is feeling distressed, it may attempt to show it by becoming hostile toward you. Of course, it’s more probable that they’re just trying to get their sentiments through and hoping you can put an end to whatever’s making them upset.
Here are some of the most typical ways in which a dog’s actions might be misunderstood by their owner to be a sign of hostility.
Involuntary Furniture Chewing
What this might suggest is that your dog is bored and trying to engage itself in an unhealthy way since you’ve left him alone for too long.
When leaving your dog alone, you should make sure to provide some toys for them to play with. An interactive toy, like a puzzle or one that gives out treats, is ideal. Your dog will feel less lonely if you leave the radio or television on. Better yet, share a tape of yourself speaking or making a video.
Sounds Like a Growl or a Snarl
Possible interpretations: According to Reader’s Digest, when a dog growls, it’s typically because they’re displeased and want you to stop doing something. To protect territory or goods, for example, dogs may growl for a variety of reasons that have nothing to do with aggression. If they start to growl while guarding food or a toy they don’t want you or another animal to take away, this might be the case. You may also encounter a snarl if you force them out of their cozy location.
Don’t scream at or discipline your dog if it grows at you. Doing so can escalate the problem or cause them to snap or bite out of fear. Keep your cool and don’t acknowledge the conduct. In order to remove an item from a resource-guarding dog, we recommend distracting it with a reward. Be on the lookout for additional aggressive cues, such as bared fangs, flattened ears, or a persistent licking of the lips. If you see any of these behaviors, it’s best to leave your dog alone with the item until it loses interest. Biting might occur if you don’t.
Urinating on Your Possessions
What it may mean: While you would assume your dog deliberately urinated on your dirty clothing, there are really many possible explanations. Dogs may urinate on furniture and other household items to “establish their territory,” as stated by The Nest. Perhaps they needed to use the restroom but you didn’t let them out quickly enough. If this is something your dog does when left alone for long periods of time, separation anxiety may be to blame. Your dog may have a urinary tract infection or incontinence if it is housetrained but still has accidents in soft areas, including heaps of clothes.
What you should do is see a doctor if you suspect a health problem or separation anxiety is behind your pet’s unusual behavior. In any case, remember that your dog’s bladder doesn’t always function on your chosen timetable, and be attentive when they signal that they need to go. A dog walker or doggy door may help you instruct your dog that going outside to do its business is the best option if your busy schedule prevents you from doing it straight immediately. As a last resort, you may try placing some dog training pads next to the areas where they like to slip off for a bathroom break so that they learn that going inside is not a good option. If you don’t want your dog to pee on your dirty clothes or other belongings, keep them out of his reach.
Not wanting to deal with you
What it might suggest is that your dog is feeling overwhelmed and needs some space to calm down before attempting to interact with you again. Your dog’s tendency to hide may also be an indication that he or she is in discomfort.
The first thing you should do is to not take it personally. Keep in mind that your dog isn’t really upset with you. There’s always the chance that your dog is picking up on your negative emotions and reacting negatively as a result. Innocent things like your favorite perfume or hair spray might do the trick as well. They may be overstimulated or agitated by your play or teasing and want some time alone. At the very least, you should allow them some room to breathe and monitor your own behavior to make sure you aren’t coming off as threatening or pushing your dog too far. Allow them some time to decompress, then come back to you when they’re ready.
Dogs should be taken to the vet immediately if their owners detect any signs of discomfort.
The next time your dog acts up, instead of worrying about whether or not they’re furious at you, you’ll know how to react and help them calm down. Your relationship with your dog can only become stronger if you learn to interpret his or her body language better.