Not having any rules
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Some owners think that letting their dog have the run of the place is a great way to pamper their favorite four-legged friend. Nope. 'Most dogs are not born leaders and they do not want to be in charge of anything,' Horan says. 'They need you to give them structure and they like knowing where they fall in the chain of command.' However, dogs will take a leadership role if they feel no one else is providing it, which can cause some serious issues, like aggression (especially towards children), destroying furniture, or pooping on your carpet, he adds.
Giving great big snuggly hugs
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People, especially kids, love to hug their dogs, and because they seem to put up with it, you may think your dog enjoys the close contact as much as you do. We've got some bad news for you: Hugging dogs makes them feel scared and anxious, according to one (controversial) study, in Psychology Today. Hugs restricts their movement and can feel intimidating, particularly if you're getting right up in their face with yours, says Erin Askeland, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, a pet behaviorist and training manager at Camp Bow Wow.
Staring lovingly into their big, brown eyes
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Dogs have the biggest, cutest, most expressive eyes, so it's no wonder you love to look into them. But sustained eye contact isn't the bonding experience you think it is; in fact, it can make your dog feel intimidated, pressured, uncomfortable, and confused, says Melissa McCue-McGrath, CPDT-KA, author of Considerations for the City Dog. Make sure to give your pup lots of love and attention, but skip the deep staring.
Hurrying them through a walk
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Dogs see the world through their noses and sniffing around is how they stay connected. So it's important to let your dog meander and take in all the smells instead of forcing them to walk briskly with no breaks, McCue-McGrath says. 'Sniffy walks give your dog an opportunity to check their 'pee-mail,' catch up on all the neighborhood dog news, or see what wild critter skittered by just a few hours prior,' she says. While you're at it, take a cue from your dog and relax and smell the roses yourself.
Dressing them up
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Nothing is cuter than a poodle in a sweater with matching pom-pom booties. But even though their humans enjoy playing doggy dress-up, it's not as fun for the dogs. 'Clothes in many cases change the look of the dog, and many dogs hate the feel and smell of the clothes,' McCue-McGrath says. Plus, unless it's extreme weather, they really don't need additional clothing for protection, she adds.
Waking them from a dead sleep
Before you pounce on your snoozing pooch, take a minute to consider what you're doing. 'Who really likes being jolted out of sleep? No one, and that includes your dog,' Askeland says. 'As dogs age, they can sleep more heavily and can be startled and react poorly if woken up abruptly.' Turns out there's some practical truth to the old saying 'Let sleeping dogs lie.' Chances are she heard you come in anyhow and she'll be up to greet you soon enough.
Bringing home a new baby
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Your dog is family, and it's natural to want them to welcome any new additions as eagerly as you do. Unfortunately, dogs are more likely to see new people (of any size) as a threat, Askeland says. 'It can be scary to a dog to have new people enter their household (their safe zone), so introductions need to be done outside your house, on neutral ground,' she explains. Before you even bring baby home from the hospital, bring home a blanket your newborn was swaddled in and a dirty diaper for your pup to sniff. Then, when it's time for the big introduction, go slow, stay calm, follow your dog's comfort level, and don't force interactions. And forget snapping any adorable baby-puppy napping photos until they're older.
Locking them in the garage during fireworks
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More dogs run away on the 4th of July than any other day, thanks to the unnatural booming of fireworks, according to Cesar Millan, dog behaviorist and host of Dog Nation on NatGeo Wild. Locking them in a room is one way to keep them safe, but it can add to their terror. Instead, your best option is to make arrangements for them to stay somewhere far away from the noise, like a friend's home or doggy daycare, he says. If that's not possible, put them in their kennel and talk to your vet about possible sedation medications and always make sure they're tagged and chipped in case they do escape.
