Top 5 Things Your Dog Wishes You’d STOP Doing (But Can’t Say)

Let’s be honest dogs are saints. They love us unconditionally, forgive us when we’re clueless, and wag their tails like we hung the moon. But even the most loyal pups have pet peeves (pun fully intended). And while they can’t exactly spell it out with barks and belly flops, if dogs could talk, here’s what they’d beg us to stop doing.


You love cuddles. Your dog? Not always.

Sure, some dogs are big softies and will happily lean in for a snuggle. But many pups interpret tight hugs as restraint not affection. It makes them feel trapped or anxious. That cute Instagram hug? Might actually be a silent cry for help.

What your dog’s thinking:
“You’re my favorite human… but please stop squeezing me like a chew toy.”

Try this instead:
Gentle pets on the chest or behind the ears go a long way. Respect their body language if they pull away, it’s not personal.

Your dog isn’t being stubborn they’re confused. Dogs live in the moment, so scolding them five minutes after they chewed your slipper? Totally useless. Worse, loud yelling just freaks them out.

What your dog’s thinking:
“I have no idea why you’re mad, but now I’m scared of your voice.”

Try this instead:
Positive reinforcement is magic. Catch them doing something right even if it’s just sitting calmly and reward the heck out of it.

Look, the Halloween taco costume was adorable. But if your dog freezes, scratches at their outfit, or looks like they’ve lost the will to live… it’s not fashion, it’s torture.

What your dog’s thinking:
“I’m a majestic creature of the wild… not your fuzzy runway model.”

Try this instead:
If your dog genuinely enjoys sweaters or jackets (especially short-haired breeds in cold weather), great. But ditch the tutus if your pup’s not into it. Dignity matters.


We get it you’re trying to connect. But in the dog world, prolonged eye contact can be seen as a threat or challenge. That intense stare you’re giving your pup while whispering “Who’s a good boy?” might be setting off internal alarms.

What your dog’s thinking:
“I love you, but why are you trying to fight me with your eyeballs?”

Try this instead:
Look at your dog with soft, relaxed eyes and blink slowly. That’s the canine equivalent of “Hey, we’re cool.”


You’ve got places to be. Your dog? They’re trying to read the daily news via fire hydrant. For dogs, sniffing is essential mental stimulation—it’s how they explore the world and reduce stress.

What your dog’s thinking:
“I waited all day for this walk… and now I can’t even sniff the neighborhood gossip?”

Try this instead:
Schedule “sniffari” walks slower-paced outings where your dog can take their sweet time investigating the world. It’s mentally enriching and makes them happier overall.

Your dog can’t rant, write passive-aggressive texts, or drop hints like a moody teen. But they are constantly communicating—with body language, behavior, and those puppy eyes.

So the next time you:

Pause. Take a breath. And remember they’d never do that to you (except the sniffing… they’d probably still do that). Because at the end of the day, all your dog wants is your love, your patience, and maybe just a little less cosplay.

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