Uh-Oh—8 Signs Your Dog Is Mad at You, According to Professional Trainers
We typically associate dogs with unconditional love. They wag their tails and lick our faces even if dinner is late. Cats? We think of them as getting mad at us (at best) and plotting against us (at worst). But if your dog suddenly starts acting distant, you may wonder, "Is my dog mad at me?"
There are some telltale signs your dog is "mad" at you. But it's complicated.
"While dogs feel lots of emotions, they don’t get mad like you and I do, but they may be adjusting to a change, be nervous, sad or uncertain," says Nicole Ellis, a certified professional dog trainer and pet lifestyle expert with Rover.
Not to pile on the pet-parent guilt, but we can play a role in these big feelings as humans. So, did you step in it big time? Experts shared some signs you did and that your dog is mad about it.
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Why Do Dogs Get Mad at Humans?
Dogs don't get mad at us like we get angry at one another. However, something you did or changed may be causing your dog stress.
"If a dog experiences something adverse, the severity of stress and emotions felt can result in a negative association," says Kait Hembree, the head of training at GoodPup.
Ellis notes that these experiences could be a change, such as a new baby, or a loud noise, like dropping a dish.
While this all may make you feel ultra-guilty, the fact that your dog is showing you they're upset is a testament to your bond.
"Often, your dog is so comfortable around you that they uninhibitedly allow these feelings or signals to be expressed," Hembree says.
Related: The #1 Sign Your Dog Is Stressed, According to Experts
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8 Signs Your Dog Is Mad at You
1. Lip licking
Are they hungry or upset? It's easy to confuse the two signs.
"In situations where your dog is worried or feels threatened, lip licking is a distance-increasing signal," Hembree explains. "The dog is indicating they would like whatever is happening to move away or stop."
Hembree says this sign could also indicate a medical issue, so call a vet if your dog seems satiated and calm but is constantly licking their lips.
2. Yawning
Dogs yawn for many reasons, including stress.
"When deciphering if your dog is yawning due to stress or other reasons, you’ll want to consider other contextual clues and what is happening around your dog," Hembree says. "If they are trying to hide, panting, shaking or sticking to you like glue, their yawning is most likely something more than being tired or bored."
Other times, Hembree says the dog may be trying to self-soothe or regular their emotions by yawning.
"This is often observed during engagements with other dogs and sometimes people," Hembree explains.
3. Hiding
Is your snuggly dog suddenly out of sight? Something may be bothering them.
"If your dog doesn’t standardly find places to camouflage himself and suddenly is, then this new behavior could indicate that they are feeling scared, worried, nervous or that something is wrong," Hembree says.
Hiding is another potential sign that a dog is feeling physically unwell, so get a vet on the line if it persists, Hembree recommends.
4. Body language
Ellis says a stiff body indicates, "I'm not happy." Hembree says pet parents can dig even deeper into their dog's body language for signs of stress. First, note the tail and avoid being tricked by this common myth about dog behavior.
"Unfortunately, the general rule of thumb is that if their tail is wagging, they are happy, but this is not always the case," Hembree explains. "It has more to do with the level of how they are wagging or the height of their tail as it relates to their back."
Hembree explains that happy dogs' tails will be level with their backs. The way will be loose and fluid.
"Dogs that are highly aroused or frustrated will tightly carry their tails over their backs," Hembree says. "These tails are often stiff but can sometimes have rigid wagging movements at the tip. Dogs that are worried or scared will carry their tails below the level of their back parallel to their legs or even tuck them between their legs."
Other red flags that your dog is mad about something, perhaps that you did, include lowered hind legs or ears back.
Related: Decode Your Dog's Body Language
5. Accidents
Your dog has been housebroken for years. Suddenly, you're finding unwelcome surprises around the house. First, Ellis suggests calling the vet to rule out an underlying health issue such as a urinary tract infection (UTI). Otherwise, if there's no medical issue, Ellis says your dog could be telling you, "I'm stressed potentially due to a move or change of schedule or a new pet."
Related: The No. 1 Sign Your Dog's Poop Is Unhealthy
6. Vocalizations
Body language is a meaningful way to read your dog's emotional state. However, they also speak—just not "human."
"Howling when you leave as they may have anxiety when left alone is a sign your dog is upset," Ellis says.
Whining is also a potential sign your dog is mad about something.
"If your dog whines along with other signals such as tail tucks, backing away [or] rolling onto their side, then they may be concerned that the dog or person approaching is a threat," Hembree says. "If your dog is whining out of worry, they will also exhibit other nervous behaviors such as panting, pacing, circling, drooling, among others. When dogs are under extreme stress, it’s almost impossible for them to control their whining."
Hembree says you'll want to address your dog's concerns immediately and potentially call a vet for personalized insights on your pet's mental and physical health.
7. Panting
Panting is a natural way for dogs to stay cool when it's hot outside. However, it's also a sign of stress.
"This could be due to a loud sound like fireworks or thunder, stressful situations such a vet or grooming visit or due to being unsure how to address their feelings of discomfort about a situation," Hembree says.
Like other signs on this list, panting can be a sign of a medical issue, so don't hesitate to call a vet with concerns.
8. Shivering
Your dog may be cold, excited, in pain or upset about something. Context is critical, Hembree explains. They may be stressed if they display other signs, like hiding, whining, ears back and panting.
Related: Dogs React to Seeing Their New House Just Like a Couple of Excited Kids
How To Help Your Pup
1. Prep for change
Nothing can get a dog completely ready for a massive change, like a newborn or new pet. However, you can ease the transition.
"Prepare them for a new baby by getting them used to you pacing around the house and holding something and rocking it," Ellis says. "Give them a mat to stay and relax on, and get them used to it in advance."
Most shelters and breeders will allow (or require) meet-and-greets between pets.
"Try going on a walk with potential other fur siblings so they can be moving and get used to each other," Ellis says. "Go for walks around your new neighborhood when moving so they know the area in advance and it's less change.
Related: The 5 Dog ‘Love Languages’ and How To Offer Them Every Day
2. Stay consistent
Change can be hard for dogs, who thrive on the comfort of routines. Even if you're all undergoing a significant life change, such as a new work schedule or baby, try to give your dog some semblance of normalcy.
"When things are changing around them, the consistency of daily interactions can almost serve as a calming strategy given their familiarity," Hembree says. "For example, keep walks, meals and play times around the same times that your dog has come to expect them."
This step may require asking for help, such as hiring a dog walker or asking a neighbor to refill their water dish once daily.
3. Don't panic
There's a good chance your dog isn't mad at you—and they certainly don't hate you—if they're showing any of the above symptoms.
"It is entirely possible that your dog has something else bothering him or is experiencing some other form of stress unrelated to you," Hembree says.
You're your dog's biggest advocate, so don't be afraid to call a vet or enlist the help of a trainer if your dog seems to be having a rough time.