You might think you’re raising a perfectly obedient pup,but in reality it may have already “told you off” several times—and you didn’t even notice.When Sunny scolded me for the first time,I nearly burst out laughing.I never expected my usually gentle Sunnyto get so worked up that he’d actually “talk back.”If your dog shows these kinds of behaviors,it could be their way of scolding you!Take a look—does your own dog do any of these things?
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Rolling Eyes + Lowering Head or Turning Away
When a dog rolls its eyes, it’s showing impatience—just like we do.This often happens when the pup doesn’t fully see you as the “pack leader.”If you’re scolding your dog and it feels annoyed or thinks you’re being too chatty,you might catch a classic eye-roll.Sometimes it’ll add a quick head-dip or turn its body away,as if to say, “Ugh, enough of your nagging already.”It’s their silent way of feeling helpless—and a little over it.
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Showing Teeth and Low Growl
A dog that arches its back, bares its teeth, and lets out a low, rumbling growlis clearly angry about what you’re doing.You’ll see this most often if you interrupt a meal or try to take away food.Honestly, who wouldn’t be annoyed when their favorite snack is suddenly gone?Still, if the growl escalates, step in and redirect before it turns into real aggression.
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Snorting (Like a Quick Sneeze)
When your pup feels frustrated—maybe you’re limiting its freedom,withholding treats, or ignoring it—it might make a sharp snort through the nose to show protest.Some trainers call this a form of “verbal attack.”But dogs also snort when super excited:for example, when you come home and your dog can’t contain the joy.That happy snort is pure excitement, not a scolding.Any seasoned dog parents notice when their pups do this?Share your experiences!
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“Awooo” Complaints
If your dog lifts its head and lets out loud, drawn-out “awooo” cries,you probably did something that really annoyed them.It’s a mix of “I’m hurt!” and “I’m mad!”Once, I asked Sunny to sit for a photo.He wasn’t thrilled, so I tempted him with a little jerky.He sat patiently for a while, but when I still hadn’t handed it over,he tilted his head back and “awooo-ed” at me for a good stretchuntil I finally gave him the treat.The next time, he switched to soft whimpers—that’s when I realized my sweet, gentle Sunny could “talk back,” too.
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Full-On Barking Fit
This one usually comes out when strangers are involved.If someone dares to call them ugly,a smart dog won’t let that slide—head held high, throat wide open, barking like,“How dare you!”It doesn’t matter who you are; they’ll speak their mind.
Some dogs even hold a grudge—every time they see that person, they’ll “tell them off” again.Sunny, on the other hand, still can’t understand when strangers are insulting him,so he just ignores it completely.How about your pup?Has your dog ever “scolded” someone?What exactly did it do?
