Even if you do all you can to pamper your pooch, you might unwittingly be doing things that drive him nuts.

For example, do you touch your dog’s face? If so, chances are he pulls back or flinches—even just a little. That’s because you’ve moved into his private space. The fact is, most dogs prefer a gentle scratch on the rear.

Another faux pas is looking a dog—especially a strange one—right in the face. A full-on stare is seen as a dominant act that can be considered aggressive. And that’s unsettling to many dogs. A better way to make an introduction is to approach a dog at a slight angle with a downward gaze and a gentle voice.

Finally—though it should be obvious—teasing dogs makes them crazy. So refrain from barking at a dog, poking at it or otherwise causing frustration. It’s just not funny and someone could get hurt.