Are you annoying your dog without realising it?

We adore our dogs. We give them the best food we can afford, pile up the snuggly blankets, buy the toys, walk the miles, and obsess over their every sneeze, sigh and snuffle.

But brace yourself! You might be doing something that really gets on your dog’s nerves.

From Your Dog’s Perspective: “Seriously, Stop That.”

Have you ever stopped to wonder what your most annoying habit is, from your dog’s point of view? This is one of the topics we've been pondering in The Shouty-Barky Dog Group over on facebook.

Maybe it’s when you suddenly go from ‘calm and cuddly’ to ‘Hello! Vacuuming now!’ without warning.

Maybe it’s when you keep saying “It’s okay” when it clearly isn’t.

Maybe it’s the way you hover and fuss when they’re just trying to sniff the same blade of grass for ten minutes in peace.

If your dog was a human teenager, I guarantee they'd be rolling their eye at you daily.

How Does Your Dog Let You Know?

Dogs are excellent communicators, but they don’t use words. Instead, they give us signals. You might notice:

A deep sigh and a slow walk to another room.
Turning their head away or giving a little side-eye.
Walking off mid-cuddle.
A subtle lip lick or a lifted paw.
The classic “huff and flop.”

These aren’t just quirks. They’re clues. Quiet messages that say, “You’re doing that thing again, and I don't like it.”

So, What Did You Do Last Time?

Be honest. When your dog tried to tell you they were annoyed, how did you respond?

Did you back off and give them space?

Or did you go in for another cuddle and tell them how adorable they are (which, of course, they are—but that’s not the point!)?

Did you even notice they were trying to tell you something?

Here’s the thing: when we pause and listen - and I mean really listen - to our dogs, everything changes. They feel heard. They feel respected. And that builds trust.

What You Can Do Next Time

Notice the subtle signs. Dogs don't always shout - they often whisper with body language.
Honour their choices. If they walk away, let them go.
Change your perspective. Would you want someone tickling your feet while you were watching TV?

Next time your dog gives you that “ugh, not this again” look, pause. Smile. Thank them for their honesty. And maybe go make a cup of tea while they enjoy a peaceful moment of doggy zen.

Because the more we listen, the deeper the bond grows.

Over to you for some self-reflection!

What do you think your most annoying habit is from your dog’s perspective? How do they tell you, and how do you respond?

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Want to Learn More?

Stephie is a dog professional specialising in trauma-informed behavioural support for shouty-barky dogs, dogs with separation anxiety, and sensitive rescues.

Join her on facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/TheShoutyBarkyDogGroup

And when you're ready for a truly consultative approach to building trust with your sensitive dog, reach out for a chat here:

💚 www.CalmerCanines.co.uk/chat 💚

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