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7 Things That Can Put You on a Dog's Bad Side

By Ashley Zlatopolsky Parade Pets

Updated June 2, 2026 6:25 AM

Many dogs are uncomfortable with hugs from their pet parents. Getty Images Dann Tardif

Dogs tend to be loyal, easygoing companions, but that doesn't mean they're comfortable with everything humans do. Many common habits and everyday interactions that people see as friendly or affectionate can actually feel overwhelming, confusing or even intimidating to a dog, affecting their trust and behavior over time.

The thing is, most pet parents don't realize their actions may be quietly damaging their bond with their dog or making their pup feel uneasy around them.

That's why understanding your dog's communication style and what puts a dog on edge is essential to building a strong human–dog relationship and preventing unwanted behavior. The good news is that, according to professional dog trainers, most dogs give clear signs when they're uncomfortable. Learning to recognize and respect these signals can go a long way in strengthening dog loyality, communication and obedience.

Keep reading to discover seven common dog owner mistakes that can quickly put you on a dog's bad side, according to experts. Some of these dog behavior truths may surprise you.

Common Things Pet Parents Do That Can Damage Their Dog's Trust

Many of these behaviors are subtle and easy to overlook, but they can still affect how a dog responds to you over time.

Below are common things dog owners do that can unintentionally damage that relationship, according to trainers.

Forcing Greetings With Unfamiliar Dogs or People

Not every dog wants to say hello-and forcing greetings can sometimes backfire in surprising ways and can sometimes make a dog not like you.

"Forcing greetings can create tension and make a dog feel trapped," says Nicole Ellis, certified professional dog trainer at Rover. "I see this often with dogs that don't enjoy dog parks or social meetups."

When a dog feels cornered during introductions, they may shut down or become reactive. Even subtle pressure, like direct eye contact, can feel overwhelming.

"With an unfamiliar dog, I wouldn't use direct eye contact as the greeting," says Chris Loverseed, founder and head trainer at Positive K9 Training. "Blinking, looking away, lip licking, or going still can be the dog trying to de-escalate things."

Ignoring Subtle Body Language

One of the most common mistakes people make is missing the early warning signs that a dog is uncomfortable.

"People regularly miss warning signs from dogs and then say the dog bit out of nowhere, which simply isn't true most of the time," Loverseed says. "Body language like yawning, lip licking, freezing, turning away, whale eye, growling, or even snapping without contact can all signal discomfort."

Dogs communicate through a range of subtle cues that often appear before more obvious reactions. Context matters, but these signals are usually a dog's way of providing information before escalation.

Most dogs aren't trying to be difficult when they react negatively. Instead, they're responding to situations that feel overwhelming, restrictive, or unsafe. Small adjustments in how you approach, touch, and interact with a dog can make a big difference in building trust and understanding.

Invading a Dog's Space While Eating or Chewing

Approaching a dog while they're eating or chewing a high-value item can trigger natural guarding instincts and an put you on their bad side so to speak.

"Even friendly dogs may feel the need to protect their resources if they think something might be taken away, especially if items have been removed in the past," Ellis says.

Dogs often give clear signals when they're uncomfortable with someone getting too close during mealtime.

"If a dog goes stiff, hovers over the bowl, eats faster, or growls when someone approaches, they're asking for space," Loverseed explains. "Let them eat in peace."

Hugging or Picking Up Your Dog

While hugging may feel natural to humans, many dogs find it uncomfortable or even stressful. Because of that, it's not something that brings them closer to you. Instead, it makes them feel the opposite.

"A lot of dogs don't read a hug as affection," says Loverseed. "They read it as being held in place. If the dog goes still, turns their head, licks their lips or tries to leave, I'd stop and see whether they choose to come back."

Instead of hugging, gentler forms of affection-like calm petting along the side of the body-are often better received.

"While it often comes from a place of affection on our side, hugging or lifting a dog can feel restrictive and uncomfortable," adds Ellis. "Many dogs don't enjoy these activities, especially if they weren't given a choice."

Reaching Over a Dog's Head

Another common dog owner mistake is reaching over a dog's head. What feels like a friendly gesture to humans can actually feel intimidating or intrusive to a dog.

"Coming down over a dog's face or head might feel second-nature and natural to us, but it can feel invasive and overwhelming to a dog," Ellis explains. "Many dogs are more comfortable with interaction from the side rather than a looming hand from above."

From a dog's perspective, a hand reaching down from above can resemble a controlling or threatening movement.

"You're suddenly above them and in their space, which many dogs read as pressure," Loverseed says. "Turning away, averting the eyes, lowering the body or freezing are all signs I'd respect. Soften your posture, angle your body and let the dog come to you if it wants contact."

Backing a Dog Into a Corner

Dogs rely on the ability to move away from situations that make them uncomfortable, so if they are backed into a corner, they don't feel safe.

"When a dog tries to move off, that's usually the dog choosing not to escalate," Loverseed explains. "Cornering them removes that option. That's when you may see the body go still, the stare get harder, or growling appear."

When a dog feels trapped, their body language often shifts in clear ways-such as freezing, intense staring, or vocalizing discomfort.

Allowing dogs space to retreat gives them a safe way to manage stress without resorting to defensive behavior.

Waking Them with Your Hands

Startling a sleeping dog can trigger an instinctive reaction that doesn't always go the way owners expect.

"Waking a dog by touching them can trigger a startle response, and a startled dog may snap before they're fully awake," Loverseed says. "The safer habit is to call their name softly from a little distance and let them wake up before you reach in."

Just like people, dogs can feel disoriented when suddenly awakened. Giving them a moment to come to awareness helps prevent unnecessary fear or defensive behavior.

Sources:

Chris Loverseed, founder and head trainer at Positive K9 Training

Nicole Ellis, certified professional dog trainer at Rover

This story was originally published June 2, 2026 at 6:10 AM.