We know that you’re pretty well-versed with your pup’s emotions and spunky personality, so it may seem silly when someone asks you: “can a dog actually get mad?”
Of course, he can! You’ve seen it in the way he pouts in the corner when you don’t take him for this third walk of the day, or in his sassy barks when you just don’t have time to play again. Your dog reacts to things he doesn’t like or that annoy him (have you ever come home to a chewed up sofa after leaving your pooch alone for too long?)
Though scientifically speaking, your dog reacting to stimuli isn’t the same emotional and mental process as a human being decidedly angry, as your pup’s brain isn’t quite laid out the same way. Dogs do react to stimuli, but you shouldn’t consider it payback or something similar – it probably means your dog just needs more stimulation.
It goes without saying though, that those triggers can definitely manifest themselves in behaviors that are impromptu, immediate, and never harbored by grudges or characterized as retribution.
Signs Your Pooch Might Be a Little Angry With You
You’re probably pretty aware of your dog’s sassy signs by now, but if you’re a new pup owner and aren’t quite sure what to look for, it’s important to learn how to recognize signs that your dog is upset with you. We know dogs aren’t human, but it can be painful how human they can act, and often, the signs that they’re mad at you can be pretty similar to the signs in human beings. If you’re thinking your pup might be mad at you, but you’re not sure, check for these tells your dog may be giving you.
If your dog ignores you, he’s probably a little peeved. That’s right, pups can give you the silent treatment, and they often will if you get on their nerves. Dogs will even give you a little bat if they’re upset at you – nothing serious, but a little slap with their paws to tell you that enough is enough.
They’ll give you long, blank stares as if to say “just what the heck are you thinkin’, dude?” It’s the ultimate diss. They’ll even go entirely out of their way to break a rule. Like, if your pooch knows you hate it when you chew on his shoes, and typically obliges by the “no shoe” rule, he might run into your closet straight away, grab a shoe, and make it his favorite chew toy. They might go as far as having “accidents” in the house on purpose just to frustrate you.
Body Language
Your dog will likely give you some pretty direct signs that he’s mad at you, but if you have a subtle pup who communicates solely through minor body language, keep a look out for these signs:
– Growling
– Staring
– Alert
– Digging
– Chewing
– Howling
– Scratching
Other Signs
Then again, you might have a doggo who doesn’t mind letting you know as loudly and bluntly as possible that he’s got a problem with you. If so, check out some of these pretty obvious signs your doggo is mad at you:
– Giving Others More Attention Than You
– Aggression
– Gift Rejection
– Having “Accidents” In The House
– Disregarding Known Rules
– Ignoring You
History of Canine Tempers
Your dog is a living, breathing, functioning animal with complex thoughts, emotions, and feelings, however, it’s important to recognize those feelings and emotions are quite different from human emotions. Instead, think of doggo emotions like reactions to the stimuli around them.
While your dog may react to things it doesn’t like – being pet a certain way, not going for an extra walk, being left alone – that doesn’t mean your pooch is angry at you. According to research from dog-tors, behaviorists, and scientists, pups who have been analyzed for case studies typically show signs of rage instead of vengeful, angry behavior. This can result in aggression, acting out, frustration, and breaking established rules.
The Science Behind Dogs Being Mad
Your dog can definitely give you signs that he’s upset, and as people, we’re known to be guilty of anthropomorphism – or giving our animals human emotions (even if sometimes they don’t have them).
But it’s important to remember that even if your dogs react to certain things and feel certain things, they don’t have the same emotions as people. That being said, much of their impromptu reactions can be determined as small acts of rage, rather than decided anger.
Scientists say that dogs likely just live in the moment, making their acts of anger really just responses to the stimuli in front of them.
Does your dog ripping up your couch mean that he hates you? No, but it might mean that he’s not a big fan of being left home alone. Does your dog have vengeful thoughts or want to take out his anger on you? Not directly,
How To Train Your Dog to Deal With His Anger
Training your pup to deal with his anger issues will require some training on your part, too.
Firstly, it’s important that you crate train your doggo if you know that leaving him alone for more than a few hours will result in a reign of terror. Make his crate a positive, comfortable place where he can cycle through his emotions calmly.
Additionally, strict reward training for positive behavior will help your pup deal with his irrational rage fits, too. There’s also something to be said for giving your dog the same treatment as he gives you, to some degree. If your dog is being irrational, angry, or mad, ignore him. Give him some time to adjust and realize that you won’t give him attention when he’s acting out.
“Remember, your dog’s anger is just a reaction, not a reflection of their love for you.”
Tips & Things to Know
1️⃣ It’s important to recognize that dogs do react to stimuli and display behaviors that might seem like anger or frustration. However, their emotional and mental processes are different from humans, and these behaviors are not forms of payback or revenge.
2️⃣ If you notice signs that your dog is upset, such as ignoring you, breaking rules, or displaying certain body language like growling or staring, it’s likely they are reacting to some stimuli in their environment that they’re not comfortable with.
3️⃣ Training can help manage these behaviors. Crate training can provide a safe and comfortable space for your dog when you’re not around, while reward-based training can encourage positive behavior. If your dog is showing signs of being upset, it can also be helpful to ignore them, allowing them time to calm down and understand that acting out won’t get them attention.
Frequently Asked Questions, Answered ✅
1. Can a dog actually get mad?
– Yes, dogs can get mad and display signs of anger.
2. What are some signs that my dog is upset with me?
– Some signs that your dog may be mad at you include ignoring you, giving you long blank stares, breaking rules, having “accidents” in the house, and ignoring known rules.
3. How can I recognize if my dog is mad through body language?
– Some body language signs that your dog may be mad include growling, staring, being alert, digging, chewing, howling, and scratching.
4. Do dogs have the same emotions as humans?
– No, dogs do not have the same emotions as humans. Their reactions to stimuli are more like impromptu acts of rage rather than decided anger.
5. How can I train my dog to deal with his anger?
– Training your dog to deal with anger issues involves crate training, creating a positive and comfortable space for your dog, strict reward training for positive behavior, and ignoring your dog when he is acting out.
