Trending Now
Dogs might be man’s best friend, but because we don’t speak the same language, there are bound to be miscommunications. And if you think just because dogs don’t speak that they’re not always communicating, well…you must never had had a really great canine friendship.
Words or not, they can make their feelings and fears known – and here are 12 signs your pooch is angry with you.
12. Her tail is tucked and still.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BUiVOBGgYlz/
If your dog is crouched, with her tail still and between her legs, she’s feeling defensive and guarded, says April Olshavsky, a dog evaluator, trainer, and behavioral consultant associated with the American Kennel Club.
“Dogs, like humans, are emotional creatures. If you’ve scolded them, or spoke sternly, they can pout like a teenager.”
11. Body language is key.
Body language – like ears hanging back, a lowered head, a closed mouth, and/or tight lips, can tell you a lot. In those cases, says Olshavsky, your dog is probably mad at you.
“Body language is the only way dogs can communicate with us. By studying your dog’s body language, you can learn a lot about her emotions. Chances are, your dog will forget whatever it is you did to upset her with just a few minutes of TLC.”
10. The whites of her eyes are showing.
https://www.instagram.com/p/q_MExWlofc/
This is a surefire sign of fear, confusion, disgust, illness, anger, or some combination of the preceding – and it’s never a great sign.
“It could be something as simple as you’ve forgotten to feed them, but you should definitely pay attention.”
9. He can’t stop yawning.
Your dog doesn’t actually yawn when he’s tired – it’s a sign he’s stressed, upset, or agitated, says Sara Taylor CPDT-KA, an animal behavior and training expert.
If your dog is whining a lot, you should remove him from the situation.
8. He growls.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B4uV_NmCygs/
Growling is another sign your dog isn’t happy, says Taylor, but it might not mean what you think.
“Growling is an obvious but frequently misunderstood sign. It is often used as a warning for the purposes of making something stop.
For example, he may growl if you’re trying to move your dog from his comfortable bed for late night potty time by using her collar or when a stranger approaches your dog and tries to pet her.”
Growling is actually a desirable behavior, as it serves as an appropriate warning before his anger escalates.
7. She can’t stop licking her lips.
If there’s no food around but your dog is licking her lips and nose repeatedly, Taylor says you’re upsetting her.
“Stop any restraining or hugging.”
6. He vocalizes his opinions.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CAYh3W3Jwqe/
Whining and barking are two ways your dog might choose to communicate.
The key to making it stop, says Olshavsky, is to give your dog positive attention when he’s not whining or otherwise making noise, and give him none when he is.
5. He refuses to look you in the eye.
This is a way that humans communicate displeasure, too, so it shouldn’t hard to spot, says Erin Askeland, a dog training and behavior expert at Camp Bow Wow.
“A dog who is happy and comfortable will likely be willing to make eye contact with his owner and seek out their attention whereas a dog who is angry or upset may avoid this type of interaction and move away from their owner, leave the room, or even sleep in a different area.”
4. She groans like you’re testing her last nerve.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CAcjX1_n0Ii/
Not all dogs will do this, but Olshavsky says some will groan when they don’t get their way.
“Some dogs are quick to do this, while others reserve it for times when they are especially upset.”
3. He refuses to listen.
If you’re sure that your dog understands what you want but he’s still refusing to comply, it might be because he’s angry.
Just like when wrangling obstinate toddlers, calm is the best way to respond.
2. She pees in your shoes.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B-VqdhwJivW/
Olshavsky says this one isn’t just something that happens in the movies.
“Dogs can definitely be spiteful when they are mad.
The dog wants you to know you’ve upset him so he will do something he knows will get a reaction out of you.”
And finding pee in your shoes will definitely accomplish that.
1. He goes rigid and stiff.
Melissa McGrath-McCue, a pet behaviorist and author of Considerations for the City Dog, says this is one sign you don’t want to ignore.
“When a dog is really, really upset he’ll often go rigid, his body stiff, hard and unmoving.
It’s almost a if he’s saying ‘take one more step, I dare you!'”
You’ll want to back away and give your dog plenty of space and time to calm down.
These are definitely some tips and tricks to keep in my back pocket.
My dog is still a puppy, but I’m pretty sure I piss her off as often as she does the same to me. It’s true love!
