My dog doesn’t like me, what should I do? If this question is crossing your mind, there might be some issues. However, don’t get upset too soon! Adopting a pet is a responsible step in itself and it is hard work that requires lots of effort. The close bond between a dog and its owner doesn’t form on its own. Thus, even if you think that your pet is avoiding you, there is still a chance to solve this!
How to Know If My Dog Loves Me?
As a rule, it is not hard to tell when a pet likes you. It is mostly indicated by the dog’s desire to spend time with you and how he behaves when you are around.
However, it is impossible to give a single answer to the question how to know if a dog likes you. The thing is that animals have different characters just like people. Some are more active, while others are quite melancholic. This means that it is only possible to determine how a pet feels about you if you consider the specifics of its character.
Now, how to know for sure if the dog is giving you a cold shoulder? Here are a few clear signs that indicate that a pet doesn’t feel comfortable with you:
- A dog would rather spend time with someone else. As you might already know, dogs are very loyal. When they have this special connection with their owners, they would mostly stick around them. Thus, if you have noticed that your pet is avoiding you, there might be some issues in your relationships.
- It growls or barks at you. These and other types of aggressive behavior indicate that a dog doesn’t really like you, especially if your pet doesn’t behave this way around other people.
- It doesn’t wag the tail when you are around. A dog’s tail can tell us a lot about his feelings – when he wags the tail, it is a sign of happiness.
- A pet doesn’t want to play with you. This actually applies to any kind of interaction between you and your dog – if you see that he is not willing to be around you, it is clear that there is something wrong.
My Dog Is Suddenly Avoiding Me: What Might Be The Reason?
The reason may be pretty much anything! Unfortunately, pets often develop a conflict with their owners and, sometimes, even professional vets can’t tell you for sure why this happened.
Some experts suggest, that the most common reasons are lack of trust and fear. This often happens with dogs adopted from an animal shelter, who were abandoned or betrayed by their previous owners. If this is the case, you may just want to give your pet some time to get used to you and, if during this time you show love and care, your pet will give you love in return.
Also, issues may be caused by any sorts of psychological traumas, lack of attention and care, or even offense. What to do in any of these cases and how to make a dog happy? In the next section of this article, you will find a list of top ways to pal up with a dog!
#1: Show Love and Care
This point should go without saying! It should be clear that the only way to earn an animal’s trust and affection is to show love and care from your side.
#2: Create a Schedule
Setting up a fixed schedule for your doggy.
Many people neglect this tip. However, pets love organized owners. Creating a fixed schedule is a must for building good relationships with almost any animal. This tip applies to walks and feeding time. You should always do this at the same time!
#3: Make Long Daily Walks a Habit
Taking a dog for a walk is a very special ritual that helps strengthen the bond between an animal and its owner. Unfortunately, many people underestimate the importance of this activity. Many make the same mistake – they approach daily walks with their dogs just as a necessity. However, a regular getaway to the nearest park can be a great way to build up a friendship!
#4: Learn to Understand Your Dog
It is vital to learn to listen to your pet. A good owner should understand the needs and emotions of his pet. This will help in many ways. For example, you will clearly see when your friend isn’t feeling good or when he or she requires your attention. This will also help improve your relationships.
#5: Treat Your Pet
A good way to gain trust and affection is to treat share treats with your dog. This doesn’t always have to be food. Alternatively, you can pamper your friend with new toys. Yet more important is to play with your pet. The best source of happiness of your dog is their joyful play time with you.
#6: Invest Time and Efforts in Training
Training is an essential element of having a dog. Thus, don’t forget to invest enough time in training your dog! This will help improve your relationships, and will help a dog to obtain basic skills. Be aware that if a dog is not habitualized into good behavior their demeanor will decrease over time.
#7: Regularly Play Games
Playing games also helps establish a connection between a dog and its owner. This is especially important in the first months after you get a pet. Games are more than just a source of fun for pets. Through playing pets determine the authority hierarchy in your relationship and get behavioral cues regarding your attitude and communication.
#8: Groom or Pet a Dog Before Going to Bed
Make it a tradition to cuddle with your dog before bedtime. Petting or grooming is also a good idea, especially if your pet enjoys touches. This will show how much you care about your pet!
Final Words
There might be different reasons to explain why your pet doesn’t like spending time with you. It may be associated with fear or trust issues. However, regardless of the reason, there are always ways to build up your friendship!
In this article, we have discussed different methods that could help you out. Now, your main goal is to define which approach suits your pet the most. Try to consider the dog’s character and habits. Keep in mind that some animals may enjoy active games, others love when you pet them, while some may not tolerate touching at all. Thus, in order to find the right approach, you have to observe the pet’s behavior and try to notice its reaction to different activities.
Once you find a point of contact, you will be able to establish trusted and warm relationships with your dog. And keep in mind – the more the pet associates you with good moments and emotions, the more it will want to be around you!
