Dogs are supposed to be our best friends, but do you have a dog that doesn’t like you? A breakdown in the dog-owner relationship can be stressful for everyone. How do you know if your dog doesn’t like you? Your dog’s body language is a clear indication of how your dog is feeling about you at the moment.
5 signs your dog doesn’t like you
1. Rigid body language. Dogs use their bodies to communicate with each other and with humans. One of the first signs that your dog doesn’t like you or is uncomfortable around you is rigid or uncomfortable body language. This includes whale eyes — the whites of their eyes can be seen — when you approach, tuck their tails, or crouch and move away from you.
2. Avoid contact with you. If your dog avoids spending time around you, including playtime, your dog may not like you. Note: Dogs have personal preferences for how they show attention, and not all dogs are cuddled. That doesn’t mean they don’t like their people; they may just enjoy playing or doing something active rather than lounging around.
3. Reluctance or refusal to accept gifts from you. If your dog is uncomfortable taking food or treats from your hand, that’s a clear sign that your dog is uncomfortable around you.
4. Growling, biting or biting you. This is the most obvious way your dog can signal that he doesn’t like you or doesn’t like the specific ways you’re interacting with him at the time.
5. There are signs of stress. Signs of stress include yawning (when not tired), lip licking, and panting (when not hot). Your dog may be telling you that he is nervous or uncomfortable around you or with the way you interact with him.
Why doesn’t my dog like me?
There are many reasons why your dog may not like you or not like the way you interact with him. Including:
- You are not meeting your dog’s needs
- Someone has abused your dog in the past, which can make it difficult for your dog to form relationships and connect with people.
- Some dogs are wary of new people, so if your dog has only recently come home, he may not be used to you.
- Dogs thrive on predictable habits and behaviors. If you behave unpredictably with your dog, it may have a hard time trusting and connecting with you.
- Dogs especially have a hard time when owners don’t respect their personal space, forcing them to interact like hugs and cuddles when they’re uncomfortable.
Improve your relationship with your dog
Might change the way your dog feels about you. Just like any other relationship in your life, building a strong relationship with your dog needs to work. Start by respecting your dog’s space and not forcing interactions. This will make your dog feel safe and confident that you won’t do things to harm or upset them. Prioritize spending quality time with your dog, doing things your dog enjoys. If you think your dog doesn’t like you, don’t take it personally. Instead, recognize that this is a new opportunity for you to find other ways to connect with your dog.
If you are struggling with your relationship with your dog, work with a dog trainer in your area who uses positive reinforcement and relationship building methods. Trainers will evaluate your dog’s interactions with you and help improve the way you and your dog communicate and interact with each other. Training is a great way to not only increase positive communication between you and your dog, but also make your dog like you more.
