Here’s how to say sorry to your dog

There are disagreement even between best friends, or instances where someone wasn't aware of them hurting the other by their actions or words. Believe it or not, this is also true in dog-human relationships.

If you hurt another person and want to make amends, the first and most important step is to apologise – and the same applies to your dog. Even though we don’t have enough information to be sure that dogs are able to link past events and our apology – i.e. an action and a reaction – as members of your family, they deserve to be be treated farily. And saying sorry might be important not just because of your conscience, but because pets also apologise in their own language when they cross a line. We’ll show you how to do it right!

Signs that your dog is hurt

We’re sure that as its owner, you know your dog best. But generally speaking, dogs are capable of experiencing the 6 basic emotions. These are joy, sorrow, anger, surprise, fear and disgust. And the feeling of disappointment and hurt is very close to all 4 negative emotions listed here, so we can assume that dogs feel something similar.

You certainly know when your pet is experiencing similar emotions and what the signs are. It’s all there in those eyes, isn’t it? Maybe it turns away? Avoids your company for a while? Tucks its tail between its legs and its ears flick back? These are all possible signs, but it can be something different in your pet’s case.

Every dog has a different personality so their reasons why they might get hurt or upset vary as well. Have you washed its favourite toy? Or you didn’t let him out into the yard when it rained? Did you take him to the vet again? Clip its nails even though you know how awful it is? Did you have to leave the dog park a little early? You accidentally stepped on its tail when he was napping under your chair? You see, there can be a million reasons, and only you can really know what triggers your four-legged friend.

This is how you can say sorry to your dog

Even if your pet doesn’t necessarily understand the contextual connection between action and reaction, it will definitely appreciate you being kind and caring. Such actions can counteract negative events, because dogs live in the present and, unlike us, are always focused on what is happening in the moment.

1. See what you did wrong

In the long run the only way to change a habit is to know what you are doing wrong. For example, just because your dog is upset by vet visits, you won’t just stop making appointments. However, you can take steps to make it a more pleasant experience.

2. Timing is key

As soon as you see that your pet is upset, take action! Remember, they live in the present, so it’s important to react immediately to what’s happening.

Your tone is really important so speak to your pet in a calm, gentle voice. How you say it is much more important than what you say. Go to your dog or call them to you and tell gently and kindly that you’re sorry and ask for their forgiveness. If your dog appreciates physical contact, feel free to pet it. It will make the animal feel even closer to you and will help it relax.

3. Refrain from offering treats

It might come as a natural instinct to try and make it up to your dog by offering treats. However, it’s best to keep the delicious snacks for positive reinforcement.