Five things we do out of love.
5 Things We do out of Love that our dogs actually hate.
Number 1 is something almost every dog parent does daily.
This one is uncomfortable because I did all of these 👇
But understanding them changed Malone’s daily life in ways I could actually see.
🐾 Hugging them
Dogs don’t hug. It’s not a natural canine behavior. When we wrap our arms around them, many dogs experience it as restraint that triggers a mild stress response.
Watch your dog’s face during a hug. Whale eye, turned head, lip lick. They’re being polite. They’re not enjoying it the way you are.
🌿 Using strong artificial scents
A dog’s nose is up to 100,000x more sensitive than ours. The candle that smells “nice” to you is overwhelming to them. The perfume you spritzed is a scent cloud they can’t escape.
I switched to unscented cleaning products and Malone visibly settled.
💧 Inconsistent rules
Dogs thrive on predictability. When rules change based on your mood — on the couch sometimes, not others — it creates chronic low-grade anxiety.
They’re not confused because they’re not smart. They’re confused because the environment is inconsistent.
🌱 Rushing them on walks
The walk is their one daily chance to read the world through scent. Pulling them away from a sniff is like someone closing your book mid-sentence. Let them read.
🧴 Bathing them too frequently
Dogs have a natural skin microbiome that protects against pathogens. Over-bathing strips it and paradoxically leads to more odor and itching.
Once a month is enough for most dogs.
✨ The best thing you can do for your dog is understand what they actually need — not just what feels loving to you.
Comment “LOVE” and I’ll share the full list 🌿
Share with a dog parent who hugs their dog every day and means well 🐾
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As a longtime dog owner, I've found that some well-intentioned actions we do can actually make our dogs uncomfortable or anxious without us realizing it. For example, hugging feels natural to us as an expression of love, but to many dogs, it feels like restraint. Since dogs don't hug as part of their natural behavior, they might show subtle signs like Whale eye or lip licking to indicate stress—even if they don't overtly resist. Observing their body language can help us understand when they're not comfortable. Strong artificial scents such as candles and perfumes might make our homes smell pleasant, but dogs' noses are incredibly sensitive, up to 100,000 times more than humans. Switching to unscented cleaning products and avoiding heavy perfumes helped my dog relax visibly at home, reducing signs of stress. I also learned that inconsistent rules can confuse dogs. Allowing them on the couch sometimes but not others created subtle anxiety because they prefer predictable environments. Keeping consistent rules, like defining whether the couch is off-limits, helped my dog feel more secure. Walking is essential for dogs to explore the world through scent, their most vital sense. I used to rush my dog during walks to get exercise quickly, but letting her stop and sniff more enriched her experience and helped her stay calmer afterward. It’s like letting someone read a book at their own pace. Lastly, over-bathing can harm a dog’s skin microbiome, leading to irritation and odor rather than cleanliness. Bathing once a month or as recommended by a vet has maintained healthier skin and fur for my dog. Understanding these five habits not only changed how I care for my dog but improved her well-being noticeably. It’s a reminder that loving actions should align with what dogs need, not just what feels loving to us. By observing your dog's reactions and adjusting your habits, you can deepen the bond and provide a happier life for your canine companion.
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