Most of us have pets, but rarely do anyone wonder what reasons may express such hostility.
I Version
One of the reasons is the genetic predestination of dogs. They belong to the canine family, that is, predators. Dogs regard any other smaller animals as game. Particularly dangerous are dogs of fighting breeds, during the breeding of which certain qualities were fixed. Such dogs have aggression against other species of animals, even against people who seem suspicious to them. Representatives of hunting dog breeds are also a threat to cats.
II Version
The next reason cats hate dogs may be mutual misunderstanding. Dogs are very sociable animals, and their genes have historically traced the desire to communicate with a wide range of the animal world, including humans themselves. Dogs, unlike cats, live in packs. Cats, on the contrary, are observers by nature and avoid unnecessary contact. No wonder there is a saying: “A cat that wanders by itself.” The dog, having noticed the cat, instantly runs towards it, experiencing curiosity and a desire to establish contact. The cat runs away, which generates even greater curiosity on the part of the dog, and at the same time the hunting instinct is activated. 
Dogs and cats cannot adequately perceive each other's signals. The dog, wagging its tail, shows interest and expresses joy. A similar signal in a cat is an indicator of danger or fear. Dogs, by their nature, are very emotional and noisy; cats, on the contrary, if they show emotions, it is very quiet.
Dogs also have associative memory. Events that happen to them once are remembered for a lifetime. A cat could once offend a dog, even in puppyhood. The dog retained the grudge for the rest of his life. Thus, all cats and cats encountered on his way, in his opinion, should be punished.
III Version
There is a version of the so-called territorial claim. Each animal claims a certain territory, marking it. However, in villages, as well as among many owners, cats and dogs can coexist peacefully, having become accustomed to each other. Dogs are accustomed to living in packs, and therefore perceive theirs as multi-species. According to the existing hypothesis, in the era of saber-toothed tigers, its representatives offended the canine family.
Having considered the main versions, we can say that dogs at the genetic level have enmity towards felines. There is no clear answer to the question: why dogs and cats don’t like each other.
A picture familiar to many: a cat sitting on a tree, peacefully licking its thick skin and periodically being distracted, looking down. And on the ground, a dog barking until he is hoarse is running amok.
Looking at the eternally warring creatures, the question arises: why do dogs dislike cats so much? It's all about the different psychology of these creatures.
Difference between dogs and cats
The dog is a pack animal, sociable and active. Even Mark Twain once remarked that if a dog starts talking, it will torment a person with endless chatter. Any friend will suit her, as long as there is a reason to get to know each other, play, run and frolic. This is her essence.
The cat is a self-sufficient observer by nature, avoiding annoying talkers. And even more so for loud bullies. Her beloved self is enough for her happiness. The shameless approach of a dog is regarded as an invasion and encroachment on personal space. The best way to avoid conflict is to retreat further away or higher.
“Man’s friend” is used to hunting to feed himself. This is what his ancestors did. And the owner actively develops this ancient instinct, training him on various objects. Anyone who runs away automatically becomes game to be chased down. A cat rushing towards a fence cannot be an exception. In addition, on the street, instincts intensify significantly.
Showing peaceful intentions, the dog wags its tail, leans forward, and can raise its paw. Similar gestures in a cat mean completely different feelings. A tail moving from side to side is a state of nervous tension. Pressing the front of the body to the ground - readiness to throw yourself. The raised paw will surely come down with lightning speed and with its claws extended.
However, the dog does not have access to the translation of cat speech. He interprets his opponent’s behavior by analogy with his own. This often becomes the cause of misunderstandings following the actions of the little tiger. Annoyance makes you even more indignant and drive the malicious offender to the point of exhaustion.
Instinctive experience in cats and dogs
When a puppy first appears in the house, he hurries to explore every corner, diligently sniffing everything in his path. Curiosity completely erases fears. And even a small kitten is in no hurry to move through unfamiliar territory, carefully studying the close space surrounding it.
Caution is in the blood of cats
Seeing a cat on the street, the dog immediately rushes to meet a new potential friend. And if a frightened cat hits him in a vulnerable place (for example, on the nose), then the dog will forever remember such a sad and painful experience. It is not difficult to guess how he will react to any cat the next time he meets.
It is believed that the distant predecessors of cats were large saber-toothed tigers and lions. They gratified their pride by annoying small wolves and jackals. The canine squad has learned to dislike clawed offenders ever since. Now the latter are reaping the fruits of the actions of their ancestors, forever fleeing from the barking four-legged animals.
We should not forget about the contribution made by man to these relationships. Often the dog’s owner, for fun, baits Sharik into watching the furry “beast” passing by. At the same time, he does not even suspect the consequences for his pet. What if the tailed “bandit” turns out to be more courageous than one might expect?
Aggressive meowing creatures are also rare. Their attacks on dogs are explained by a zealous desire to protect their territory, which they have long marked. This behavior leaves no choice for the dog, causing anger in response.
Peaceful existence
Fortunately, there are known cases of peaceful coexistence of these “irreconcilable” individuals under one roof. Such situations are possible if animals get used to each other from childhood, and their owner shows patience and attention to each pet.
Why dogs don’t like cats is a question often asked by both adults and children, but there is still no answer. Perhaps, by the way, it’s completely the other way around - cats don’t like dogs. Let's consider several hypotheses for this phenomenon.
Hypothesis No. 1. Genes...
Dogs, as everyone knows, are predators and hunters... Cats are also predators, but smaller in size. Therefore, it is possible that dogs “at the call of their ancestors” see cats as prey... Although it should be noted that birds, as a rule, do not cause such a violent reaction in them.
Hypothesis No. 2. Genetic memory...
Dogs take revenge for their ancestors:) who were willingly eaten by saber-toothed tigers, which, as is known, are the distant ancestors of cats.
Hypothesis No. 3. Psychographic...
Cats lead a solitary lifestyle, so contact with other animals is not particularly pleasant for them. Dogs, sensing their unfriendliness, respond with aggression. In this case it would be correct to say - cats don't like dogs.
Hypothesis No. 4. Neurolinguistic…
Dogs and cats interpret movements of the tail and other parts of the body in many different ways. For example, dogs perceive wagging their tail as a gesture of friendliness, while in cats it is a sign of irritation, which leads to misunderstanding of each other...
Hypothesis No. 5. Chemical...
According to some scientists, cats secrete a special enzyme, which dogs smell when they show aggression...
And don’t forget that there are many examples of dogs and cats being friends and caring for each other.
reference Information
Great Dictionary of Russian language
DOG -i; and.
1. Family pet. canids, related to the wolf (used for guarding, hunting, sledding, etc.). Service dog, Hunting dog, Guard dog, Yard dog, House dog, Chain dog, Sniffer dog. Some kind of dog breeds Pedigree of the dog. Exhibition of some kind dogs. Lead the dog on a leash. Hold a dog. Train dogs. To be afraid of dogs. Ride dogs (in a sled in the North). S. took it, lost track.2. As part of the names of predatory mammals of the family. canids. Raccoon dog, Wild dog, dingo.
3. Unlock About an evil, cruel, rude person. I’ve never met such a rude guy, such a dog like you in my life. This is not a person, but a mad woman. / Usage like a swear word. Did you shoot, dog? Get out of the way, sir. lousy!
4. For what, in what, for what and with information. in function def. Razg. About someone who is knowledgeable, dexterous, skilled in something. business person; connoisseur He dances - s. In court cases - p. / Usage when expressing approval or admiration for someone. Learned, s.! Hiter, s.! Oh, sir, how can he do that?
5. Like a dog. Absolutely, completely, very much (tired, hungry, bored, etc.). (Like) a dog in the manger About a person who does not use something himself. and does not give to others. Like uncut dogs. A lot of people How do cats and dogs live? About people constantly quarreling. Every (every) dog. Everyone, everything. Not a single dog. Nobody. To hang (all) dogs on someone. Chasing dogs. What to eat the dog in, on what, etc. To be an expert in something. in fact, to have great skill, experience in smth. That's where the dog is buried. That's the essence of the matter, that's the reason for sth. You won't find anyone with dogs. Very difficult to track down.
6. Dog; Dog (see). Dogs, -and; and. Enlarge (1 digit). Huge village Little dog, -and; pl. genus. -nok; and. Decrease (1 digit). Run, follow someone, like s. Dogs, -chat; pl. (singular dog, -nka; m.). Vernacular-colloquial
Great Dictionary of Russian language. - 1st ed.: St. Petersburg: Norint S. A. Kuznetsov. 1998
Cats (Felis) are a genus of predatory mammals of the Felidae family. Sizes range from small (forest and steppe animals) to medium and large (lynx and puma). Based on the structure of the skull, fur color and geographic distribution, about 20 subgenera are distinguished. For example, the ocelot of South America belongs to the subgenus Leopardus, the Pallas cat of Central and South Asia belongs to Otocolobus, and the Bengal cat belongs to Prionailurus. In the Mediterranean and Central Asia, the Libyan, or spotted, K. (F. libyca) is widespread, from which, apparently, all breeds and offspring of domestic K. originated.
Domestic cats differ mainly in coat length and color. Previously, it was believed that the domestication of K. took place in Ancient Egypt, where K. was a sacred animal and was subjected to embalming. It is more likely, however, that the domestication of k. occurred independently among the ancient peoples of the Caucasus and Western Asia, where the remains of such k. were found in the layers of settlements of the Bronze Age and even the Neolithic. The group of long-haired breeds includes: Angora, Persian and Siberian; The short-haired group includes Siamese and tailless, as well as short-haired cats of various colors, bred in many European countries. Domestic insects are of great benefit in homes and warehouses by destroying rodents (mice and rats), but they harm gardens by eating beneficial birds.
In a broad sense, K. refers to all representatives of the cat family, both living and extinct; for example, saber-toothed K. (mahairod), large cave K. (cave lion), domestic Siamese K., etc.
N.K. Vereshchagin.
Great Soviet Encyclopedia. - M.: Soviet encyclopedia 1969-1978
PUBLICATION DATE: Jul 8, 2019 12:28
Useful tips
There are many things and gestures that we do every day without even realizing that we are irritating our dog.
These pets, being the smartest creatures on Earth, become our best friends, but sometimes something can make them angry and discontent.
And since the animal cannot talk, we don’t even realize that we are doing something wrong, and this our pet may not like it.
Here are 11 things we do unconsciously and automatically that dogs hate so much:
What dogs don't like
1. Using words more than body language
© Sergey Nivens
Man is a creature capable of speaking and conducting dialogues.
We especially love to talk to our pets, who cannot understand the vast majority of what we say.
Over the course of their lives, dogs can learn the meaning of some key words that the owner regularly repeats to them: “No! Walk! Let’s go! Bring a toy!”
Some dog breeds can recognize up to hundreds of different words and commands. But even if your dog knows selected phrases, this does not mean that he understands human language.
What animals rely on is our sign language. Only through sign language can they understand what we mean and what we require from them.
Dogs are true experts and can read through human body gestures what you are thinking and feeling before you even realize it.
However, if we only pay attention to what our mouths say and not what our gestures dictate, we may be sending mixed, erroneous signals to the animal.
© HD92
It is worth visiting any dog training school and you will notice how some people say one thing and do another, confusing the dog in the process.
For example, when giving a dog the “sit” command, trainers lean forward and extend their hand. In body language, this means inviting the dog into your personal space.
But when the dog follows this gesture while being verbally commanded to sit, he is reprimanded for the violation.
If you are interested in testing your pet, conduct a small experiment (your dog will only be grateful to you for it).
Try to spend an entire day without saying a word to your dog, but communicating with him only through body gestures.
You will understand how important body language and gestures are in communicating with your dog.
You will be able to communicate with her perfectly without using a single word. A conversation with a pet may well proceed without words using only gestures.
2. Hugging a dog
© Svetozar Milashevich / Pexels
Surely you like to hug your four-legged friend. Wrapping your arms around your pet's furry neck is always great! This is how we fight stress and lift our spirits.
It may surprise you to know that most dogs hate hugs. It seems to us, as great apes, that hugs are an amazing thing, thanks to which you can express a sea of feelings.
Support, love, joy and other emotions can all be expressed through hugs. It is completely normal for us to hug and squeeze something valuable in our arms.
But dogs are not developed enough to understand all this. They don't have hands and don't hug. And it’s not customary for dogs to show their feelings and signify camaraderie in this way.
Remember this: if a dog puts his front paw on another dog's back, in their language it is considered an act of dominance.
Therefore, regardless of your intentions for hugging and showing friendly intentions, the dog views the act of hugging as a demonstration by the person of his dominance over the animal. After all, in the process of hugging, you put your hand on her back.
Most dogs tolerate hugs patiently, since for them the owner and the person, in principle, means superiority over the animal.
However, some individuals will feel fear and threat from humans.
You can feel this fearfulness and trembling. Some dogs may snap and even bite. After all, it seems to them that you are encroaching on their freedom.
© Robert Kneschke
Additionally, the same dog that accepts a hug from one person may react completely differently to another family member who tries to do the same. After all, if she accepts the hug of the first one, it simply means that she sees him as a leader and master.
You'll be hard-pressed to find a dog that truly loves cuddles and cuddles.
Want to check that this is really true? Just pay attention to her behavior when you hug her.
Is she tense? Moves his head away? Avoids even a hint of eye contact? Licks his mouth with his tongue? Or does he keep his mouth shut? Or maybe she presses her ears back to her head? All these signs indicate that the dog is currently experiencing discomfort. She's uncomfortable.
When a dog licks a person hugging him, it does not mean that he is showing his obsession with love for him. This is how she shows submissiveness and nervous behavior.
So the next time you want to hug your dog, pay close attention to all these signs that he is uncomfortable.
What dogs don't like
3. Stroking the dog's face or head
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Do you like having your head patted? Hardly.
When someone reaches out to touch our head? Regardless of whether it is done with love or not, in most cases it is unpleasant for us.
At best, this irritates us; at worst, we can even experience unpleasant sensations to the point of trembling.
And we really don’t like it when the hands of strangers come close to our face, thereby violating our personal space.
If someone suddenly puts their hand towards your face, most likely the reaction will be that you will want to pull your head back and lean back in your chair. The fact that someone is invading your personal space will undoubtedly stress you out.
However, most people think that dogs enjoy being petted on the head.
© Aleksandr Potashev/Getty Images
However, in reality, although many dogs are okay with this and allowing themselves to be petted by someone they know and trust, most do not enjoy it.
Note that even a beloved pet dog may pull away slightly when you touch its muzzle to pet it.
She will allow you to do this only because she considers the person in charge, and not because she likes it.
Remember that dogs also have their own personal space. This is why knowledgeable and responsible parents teach their children to gently stroke the dog's back or rear, rather than patting or petting its face.
If you really want to pamper your dog, don't pat him on the head, just pat him on the back and rub his neck a little.
Believe me, your pet will appreciate such affection much more than a hateful pat on the face!
4. Approach a strange dog, looking him straight in the eyes
© DAPA Images
We all know how powerful and powerful eye contact can be. It is usually seen by a person as an important sign of trust or attention.
However, don't forget that eye contact also makes you feel nervous and uncomfortable.
Agree, there is little pleasure in when a stranger, without taking his eyes off, looks into your eyes, especially if he is approaching you.
Eye contact is part of establishing dominance for many species. A person can resort to it to express various emotions. His interlocutor can determine by facial expressions whether the look is friendly or not. A dog cannot do this.
© Robert Kneschke
When you look a stranger's dog straight in the eyes without blinking, you may smile, trying to become a friend, but most likely the dog perceives you as a dominant or even an aggressor.
They may show submissiveness by looking away, or they may suddenly start barking. In any case, for most dogs, a stranger looking him straight in the eyes is a potential enemy, and such a situation is not entirely comfortable.
If you want to greet a strange dog, approach it with your shoulders slightly angled. Do not approach the dog abruptly, look away a little and speak to him in a quiet, calm voice.
This behavior on your part allows the dog to believe that you are friendly and will not harm him.
This means there is little chance that the animal will react aggressively.
What not to do with a dog
5. Lack of regularity and rules
© anikalauerphotos
A dog is an animal that needs and loves rules.
We think that rules make life boring or miserable. But for a dog, rules are really important. She simply needs to live by the rules that the leader dictates to her, that is, she must follow the person’s commands and requests.
Animals are like children. They need a consistent set of rules to follow.
Compare the polite, well-behaved children you know with the spoiled, ill-mannered ones who lack social skills and parenting. They only cause irritation and antipathy.
It's about the same with animals. He needs to be educated. A dog must live by certain rules. Only then will she be happy. The rules do not imply cruelty or aggressiveness. This means that the dog must be kept in strictness, but at the same time giving it freedom.
In addition, when raising a dog, you should not confuse it.
© svsokolov
And speaking of confusion, animals don't understand exceptions to the rules. For example, they don't understand why they're allowed to jump on you when you're in casual clothes, but not when you're dressed up for an event.
They don’t understand why they are allowed to jump on the couch after a bath, but are strictly forbidden to do this if she returns from the street dirty.
By telling a dog “no”, you are programming it that it cannot be done in any situation without exception.
By breaking the rules you set, you only confuse the animal.
It is simpler and easier for a dog to live when it knows where the boundaries of what is permitted are. And when you take the time to respect these agreed upon boundaries, you will be rewarded for your hard work in the form of positive results. This builds trust in you as a leader. You create the conditions for your pet to be happy and content.
6. Forcing your dog to interact with dogs or people he clearly doesn't like
© Foxy Dolphin
Just like people, dogs have their own likes and dislikes. Like us, they identify friends and enemies for themselves.
The dog's behavior makes it clear who it likes and who it doesn't like very much.
You shouldn’t force your dog to communicate with someone if he makes you understand that he doesn’t like this “someone” at all. However, many dog owners refuse to understand their pets or simply do not read the signals their dog gives them.
Usually, dog owners force their pets to interact with people they like, but their animals don’t like. Or they allow strangers to pet their dog, even when he is showing clear signs that he is uncomfortable and wants to be alone or leave.
It is important to note that there is a difference between forcing an animal to do something and rewarding it for good behavior.
The dog should receive a reward for its good behavior. Let it be a piece of meat or any other treat that your animal loves.
© Alena Ozerova
However, common sense should always be used when interacting with dogs for the safety of your pet and those interacting with it.
After all, if a dog doesn’t like someone, but its owner still forces it to communicate, it can behave unpredictably. For example, to attack and even bite.
Pay attention to her behavior. If she doesn't like someone or something, she may growl or bare her teeth. If she does this, it is best to take her away from the hated object.
In addition, another very unpleasant situation may happen: your dog’s trust in you as a leader or protector will be undermined. So try to read your dog's body language, it is quite telling.
If a dog doesn't want to interact with someone, don't force it.
7. Walking without being able to sniff or explore the area
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Walking is a very important part of every dog's life.
Of course, it is very convenient for the owner when his pet obediently walks on a leash, obediently listening to the person’s commands.
However, it is also important that the dog spends some time exploring its surroundings. Dogs see with their noses and perceive the world around them through their olfactory receptors.
Animals place as much importance on their sense of smell as we humans use our sense of understanding to interpret the world around us. It's safe to say that dogs appreciate smells, just as we, for example, appreciate a beautiful sunset.
They need to explore, spending at least a few minutes a day sniffing around the area.
People focus on walking for the sole purpose of walking the animal solely out of necessity. Therefore, we often follow the same old route, often without any variety, in order to return home as quickly as possible.
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Make your dog happy by walking him a little longer than usual. Let her explore smells, let her discover new territories, new places to walk.
Give the animal some freedom. Training his nose will come in handy. Discover a completely unknown route with her.
Several times a week, give her the following gift: explore another area or trail, let the dog sniff a tree, a puddle. Slow down a little, do not jerk your pet if he suddenly lingers near the object of interest.
And to help your dog understand the difference between a walk where he must be obedient and walk next to you, and a walk where he is free to explore the area without being separated from you, you can take a special backpack or harness that indicates that you have Today there is a special walk where the dog will be allowed to have a little distraction.
These walks are a great opportunity for your dog to get some of the mental and sensory stimulation and release that makes life interesting and fulfilling.
8. Harsh tugging on the leash
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Dogs have an amazing ability to understand human body language.
They are amazing at reading our level of tension, feeling it even through the leash. When you hold the wire or pull hard on it, you increase the level of stress, frustration and anxiety. Your dog, and you yourself, become tense.
Of course, many will say: “I don’t want to tightly control the leash, but I have to,” or “My dog pulls on the leash, not me.”
An amazing amount of energy is transferred from you to your pet through this small strip of canvas or leather. Thanks to the leash, you exchange energy. By holding the leash loose, you let your dog know that everything is fine and that there is no reason to worry or tense up.
With a loose leash, you tell your dog that you are calm and in control, thereby conveying your calm to the animal.
© Damedeeso
When you tug harshly on your pet's leash, you are sending him a message that you are tense, nervous, and on guard. And your dog responds to you with the same restless reaction.
Remember, just as you don't like it when your dog pulls on you, your dog doesn't like it when you constantly tug on his leash.
If your pet is well-bred, he understands perfectly well that he will not leave you, even if he thinks that he needs it.
A dog that is kept on a tight leash and constantly tugged on is more likely to bark or react aggressively in even the most normal situations than one that is handled more gently.
It has been proven that a dog who walks on a loose leash is more likely to be calm and compliant. Agree, it’s a simple thing for a person to understand. Dog owners just need to learn that the less you yank your dog, the more enjoyable your outdoor walks together will be.
9. Strong stress of the owner
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Tension on the leash isn't the only time your dog can tell how you're feeling.
You can tell when the person you're with is feeling tense, even if you don't realize it. Dogs have a similar ability to determine what state their owner is in at the moment.