Things We Do That Dogs Just Don't Get
Key Takeaways
Dogs struggle with aspects of our world. Their reliance on smell makes TV shows confusing, and our constantly changing scents baffle their noses.
Our hugs can feel threatening due to canine play wrestling styles. Playful nips are misinterpreted as aggression, and digging through the trash can is simply exploring for food.
Dogs see unfamiliar scents and visitors as potential threats to their territory, causing suspicion or hostility.
Canine confusion arises from hands that offer treats and affection one moment, then restrain or groom them the next.
Dogs, our loyal companions, seem to understand us so well. They greet us with wagging tails, learn our routines, and even offer emotional support.
Yet, despite their devotion, there are aspects of our human world that leave them completely baffled.
Here's a glimpse into the canine mind, exploring eight things we do that simply go over their furry heads.
1. Alone Time
Dogs are social creatures by nature. They crave companionship and find solitude perplexing. Leaving them alone at home, kennels, or even the vet can be a source of anxiety.
While they may eventually learn to expect our return, it's not an innate understanding. This explains their desperate pleas to join us and the comfort some find simply being indoors with their human pack.
2. Watching TV
Our televisions have little appeal for a dog's world that normally rely on scent. Dogs navigate their environment through smell, giving TV little meaning.
Add to that our tendency to stay still while watching, a contrast to their investigative movements, and TV time becomes a confusing human ritual.
3. Changing Scents
We humans interact with a myriad of objects throughout the day, each carrying its own unique scent. From shoes and coats to bags and briefcases, these items bombard our canine companions with a constantly changing olfactory landscape.
Factor in the cleaning products, soaps, and perfumes we use, and it's no wonder our scent profile is a moving target for their sensitive noses.
4. Hugging Them
Humans express affection through hugs, a gesture lost on the canine mind. Dogs primarily use their forelimbs for grasping objects or wrestling during play.
A hug, which might involve pinning them down, can be misinterpreted as a threat. This is why some dogs squirm or try to back away during our well-intentioned cuddles.
5. Biting Hurts Us
Playful nipping is a natural part of puppy development, a way to learn bite inhibition and bond with littermates. However, these tiny, sharp teeth can be quite painful on human skin.
When a playful pup nips at us, it's not an act of aggression. It's simply a miscommunication, a canine attempt at playful interaction that's met with a negative human response.
6. Not Eating From the Trash
Dogs are natural scavengers, programmed to seek out food wherever they find it. So, why do we get upset when they explore our trash cans?
From their perspective, it's just another potential source of food. It's important to remember that our concept of "garbage" doesn't translate to the canine world.
7. Sharing Territories
Dogs evolved with a strong territorial instinct. Bringing in the scents of other dogs on our clothes or allowing unfamiliar guests can be a source of stress for them.
It's only natural that some dogs exhibit suspicion or even hostility towards visitors, both human and canine.
8. Using Our Hands For Everything
Hands can be a source of both pleasure and discomfort for dogs. One moment they deliver delicious treats and soothing pats, the next they might clip nails, administer medication, or restrain them.
This inconsistency can lead some dogs to fear the unpredictable movements of human hands.
Are You Confusing Your Pup?
Understanding these communication gaps fosters a stronger bond between humans and their canine companions.
By acknowledging their perspective and training them with positive reinforcement, we can build trust and make the world a less confusing place for our furry friends.