Think you’re the boss? Think again. Your dog has you wrapped around their little paw. Here are 18 ways they know you’re a complete pushover.
1. Begging for Food
Every time you give in to those pleading eyes at the dinner table, you’re teaching your dog that begging works. They know you can’t resist and will keep pushing for more.
2. Ignoring Commands
If your dog constantly ignores commands and you don’t follow through, they’ve figured out they can do as they please. They know you’re all talk and no action.
3. Jumping on Furniture
You say “no,” but then you let them jump on the sofa anyway. They know your boundaries are as solid as jelly.
4. Demanding Attention
Your dog paws at you or barks and you immediately respond. They’ve got you trained to drop everything at their command.
5. Pulling on the Lead
If you let your dog pull on the lead without correcting them, they realise they’re in charge of walks. They know you’ll follow wherever they drag you.
6. Taking Over Your Bed
Your dog hogs the bed, and you let them. They’ve claimed your bed as their territory and know you’ll just fit in around them.
7. Playing Whenever They Want
Allowing your dog to dictate playtime, even when you’re busy, teaches them that their schedule is more important. They’ve got you wrapped around their paw.
8. Whining for Treats
If your dog whines and you give them a treat to quiet them, they learn that whining works. They know persistence pays off.
9. Ignoring Training Sessions
Skipping training sessions or being inconsistent shows your dog training isn’t important. They know they can get away with murder.
10. Not Following Through on Commands
Giving a command and not ensuring your dog follows it teaches them that commands are optional. They realise they don’t have to listen to you if they don’t fancy it.
11. Allowing Counter Surfing
If your dog jumps on counters to steal food and you don’t stop them, they know the kitchen is a free-for-all. They’ve learned you won’t enforce boundaries.
12. Caving to Barking
When your dog barks to get something and you give in to quiet them, they understand that barking gets results. They’ll continue to bark to get their way.
13. Lack of Exercise
Not providing enough physical or mental stimulation makes your dog restless and likely to act out. They know you won’t tire them out, so they entertain themselves destructively.
14. Begging for Attention
If your dog constantly demands your attention and you always oblige, they know they control you. They’ve trained you to focus on them 24/7.
15. Jumping on People
Allowing your dog to jump on visitors without correction shows them that it’s acceptable behaviour. They know you won’t enforce proper greetings.
16. Taking Toys from Other Dogs
If you let your dog take toys from other dogs without intervening, they learn that they can get away with it. They know you won’t stop them from being bossy.
17. Begging to Go Outside
If your dog scratches at the door or barks to go outside and you always let them out, they understand that they control when and where they go. They’ve trained you to respond to their demands.
18. Stealing Food
If your dog steals food from your plate and you don’t correct the behaviour, they know that food is up for grabs. They’ve learned you won’t protect your meals.
Time to Take Control
Realising your dog sees you as a pushover is the first step to taking back control. Establishing consistent boundaries and enforcing rules will help your dog understand that you’re the one in charge. Don’t let your beloved pet take advantage of your kindness—set limits to ensure a happy, balanced relationship.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Agnes Kantaruk.
For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.
