We often talk about the behavior of dogs that we don’t understand and look for ways to communicate better with them. But have you ever thought that our behavior might confuse them just as much?

From the first day our four-legged friend enters our lives, we try to understand as much as possible about their behavior. When we do it on our own, even if we’ve had a dog before, we rely on past experiences, stereotypes about pets, and situations we’ve heard about. All of these, as you can imagine, can lead to wrong conclusions, because while we love our furry friend, we might misunderstand their behavior and reactions.

But the same thing can happen with the dog, in their attempt to understand why we do certain things. Where they get most confused is when we reward them for something they do and then scold them for doing something else.

Here are some classic examples of things we do that leave our dog looking puzzled:

1. We react when they bite us
   Especially puppies use their teeth to explore the world and the stimuli they encounter in their environment. While playing, they naturally bite us, which is completely normal for them. Additionally, biting or using their teeth and mouth is a way of communicating, just like licking us. Without controlling the strength of their bite, without wanting to hurt us, they simply open their mouths and bite. When we react, when we make that sound of pain, they get scared and confused. It takes them some time to understand that we’re not rejecting them at that moment, but that it’s something they shouldn’t do. As for adult dogs, this behavior may have stuck from the past and was never corrected. However, it’s never too late to teach them what is acceptable and what is not.
2. We pick them up and hug them
   While our four-legged friend has many ways to show love, when it comes time to hug them, they may not enjoy it as much as we do. Putting our arms around them, squeezing them, or lifting them onto two feet might cause them discomfort. In nature, this is a form of struggle between two dogs, a way to immobilize them, so they will try to escape. Some dogs may even become aggressive, initially growling and tensing their bodies to show they don’t like it. Here, we should also consider another factor: dogs that have had a history of abuse are not comfortable with physical contact and will show it either by being fearful or aggressive. So, beyond what we want, we should respect the boundaries set by each dog.
3. We scold them when they eat from the trash
   For the dog, eating is just part of their daily routine. For us, eating from the trash is undesirable and dangerous for their health. However, the dog doesn’t understand this, so they get confused when you say “good boy” when they eat from their bowl but use a harsh tone when they dig through the garbage.
4. We leave them alone for hours
   Especially dogs that have grown up in shelters or have experienced abuse and neglect, they struggle when we leave them alone. You may have noticed that as soon as they see their owner doing the movements that signal they’re about to leave, they stop eating and playing and follow them with big, wide eyes. Until they get used to it, until they are convinced that their human will return, they experience significant anxiety. This happens because they are very social animals and completely depend on us, not just for their basic needs like food and water, but also for walks, play, and, of course, the love we give them. The same confusion can happen when we place them in a different area, away from us, like a kennel, a balcony, the yard, or a room where we’ve put barriers so they can’t go through. They also react when we close the door when we’re in the bathroom or during other personal moments.
5. We sit still in front of the TV
   Sight is not the strongest sense in dogs. When they see us staring at a blinking screen for hours – usually without moving – they will try to get our attention. They’ll bring us the ball, jump on us, bark, whine, or nudge us with their paws simply because they cannot understand why we are sitting still and unresponsive.
6. We lie in their bed
   How many times have we seen videos online where dogs react amusingly when they find their owner lying in their bed? Even when they attempt to approach the pillow or any space that’s exclusively theirs, they will react. The need to protect their space never disappears, though we can teach them not to become aggressive or overly possessive.

The Mistake We Make When Trying to Understand Our Dog’s Emotions
For thousands of years, dogs have generously given us their love, enriching our lives.
At the end of the day, the dog will adapt sooner or later, as they really enjoy having a routine and a schedule. However, the more stability we show them in what is allowed and what is not, the easier it will be for them to understand us and do whatever they can to please us. Our behavior will guide and inspire our most loyal four-legged friend.