Does your dog hate baths? Does Fido get annoyed when you clip his nails or brush his teeth? Just like people, dogs all have their own personal tastes. However, our canine friends do have quite a few likes and dislikes in common. A local Bowmanville, ON vet lists some things that annoy Fido in this article.

Hugs

Hugs are a sign of affection for people, but they are a way of asserting dominance in doggy language. Although your dog may not mind if you hug him, Fido often doesn’t care for being hugged by strangers, especially if he is restrained.

Conflicting Commands

Man’s Best Friend is very smart, but he won’t always realize that different words and phrases can mean the same thing. If you tell your furry pal ‘Down’ one day and ‘Get down right now!’ the next, you may inadvertently confuse your pet.

Baths

Even though some pups like swimming, most of our canine companions are not very enthusiastic about baths. However, we’re pretty sure that dogs do enjoy feeling clean and fresh after their baths, just like a person coming out of a salon. Keep up with your four-legged pal’s grooming needs.

Cutting Explorations Short

We know, sometimes Fido takes a really long time sniffing at a new patch of ground. However, it’s important to remember that dogs get information from scent, so try to indulge your pup’s nose when you can.

Shouting

In doggy terms, shouting translates to loud barking, which is often a sign of aggression. While it can be irritating to find your pooch chewing your shoes, don’t yell at your furry friend for misbehaving. Instead, focus on teaching Fido better petiquette.

Too Much Alone Time

Dogs are pack animals by nature, and are generally much happier when they are with their buddies. Fido may be fine staying home alone while you go to work, but too much isolation may bother him.

Not Enough Exercise/Stimulation

Fido is very active and playful, and needs regular exercise in order to stay happy and healthy. Make sure your dog is getting the right amount and type of exercise. It’s also important to make sure your pup has plenty of toys, and to play with him regularly. Ask your vet for specific advice. Please contact us, your local Bowmanville, ON pet hospital, for all of your dog’s veterinary care needs. We’re here to help.