1. Taking Forever to Poop During Walks
Taking your dog for a walk is meant to help them burn off energy and relieve themselves. But some dogs are smart—they’ve learned that once they poop, the walk is over. So instead of going right away, they’ll delay doing their business to stretch out the walk and keep playing. They know the routine, and they’re using it to their advantage.
2. Acting Pitiful After Doing Something Wrong
Some dogs are quite manipulative. The moment they realize they’ve done something bad, they immediately switch to their “poor puppy” face before their owner even has a chance to scold them. Many pet parents fall for this trick—those big sad eyes melt your heart, and suddenly you don’t feel like punishing them. Over time, your dog learns that playing the sympathy card works every time.
3. Selective Hearing
Dogs have incredibly sharp hearing—about 16 times better than humans. So when your dog ignores your commands or pretends not to hear you, it’s not because they didn’t catch it. It’s a deliberate act of selective hearing. But try calling them when it’s time for a treat or a walk, and suddenly their ears work just fine!
4. Hiding Treats Instead of Eating Them
Have you ever given your dog a treat, only to see them rush back for more in seconds? Chances are, they didn’t eat it—they hid it somewhere for later. Dogs will often stash treats if they’re not hungry or if they’re trying to “save some for later.” It’s a sneaky habit that shows they know how to plan ahead.
5. Refusing to Eat in Hopes of Getting Something Better
Sometimes your dog will sniff their food, turn up their nose, and walk away. It may seem like they don’t like it, but in reality, they’re playing hard to get. They know if they act picky, you might bring out something tastier. If you cave and offer better food, they’ll quickly learn how to manipulate mealtime in their favor.