Understanding what your dog does and doesn’t like is a huge part of making sure your dog is a happy one. You might notice, for example, that they stop eating if they are served food they do not like. Many owners mistakenly assume that all dogs will simply eat or play with whatever is put in front of them or will enjoy any activity their owner wants to do. This can actually make your dog more picky and more stubborn, especially if they are being forced to do activities that they fear or extremely dislike. But how can you determine what your dog does and doesn’t like?
Pay close attention to his reaction.
For example, when you put food out for your dog, does he run up to the bowl and happily start eating? Or does he wander around the house and kitchen, looking for something else to eat, only to later resign himself to eating what you’ve put in his bowl? When you put him in the car, is he excited to jump in and get on the road, or do you have to physically lift him into the car and he whines and cries in the backseat. Your dog is probably trying to tell you what he does or doesn’t like, if you’re paying close enough attention to his reaction.
Try different things.
Don’t assume that just because your dog hates being bathed he is going to hate going to the lake. A lot of owners will make assumptions about what their dog does and doesn’t like based on what we, as humans, consider to be clues about our dogs’ personalities. In reality, however, a dog that hates being bathed in the backyard with a hose could love romping and playing in the lake. If your dog seems to hate every activity you currently do, it might be time to find some other activities. Your dog might not seem bored with the usual walk you take after work, but why not try putting him in the car and taking him for a hike, instead of just the usual hike?
Ask your vet.
If you’re not sure why your dog is reacting a certain way to a certain situation or stimulus, it might be time to consult a professional. Most vets will be able to tell you why your dog is panting so much when he is in the car, even if you are running the AC as high as it can possibly go (hint: it’s because your dog is experiencing anxiety in the car). If you’re not sure why your dog is exhibiting a certain behavior, the best thing to do is to ask your vet why and what you can do to make him more comfortable or to find something that he does actually like and want to do.
Give him options.
The best way to tell what anyone likes and doesn’t like (or at least likes less) is to give them options. If he has the option of two toys, he will always go to his favorite first. This is true of most things. If given the choice between a piece of bread and a piece of meat, most dogs will choose the meat. If you want to find out what he really does and doesn’t like, give him option and let him choose for himself.
