How to get a Dog to Like You

Not all people have the best communication with dogs. Dogs are sensitive and detect cues like intonation, touch and energy. Many people don’t realize how their behavior affects dogs and wonder why they have a hard time getting dogs to like them.

The following sections describe ways you can work to improve your trust with dogs. Whether it’s your own dogs or other peoples dogs, these guidelines should point you toward having a better relationship with them. Apply some of these and you may become a wiz at getting dogs to like you.

Stay Calm

The energetic frequency you approach a dog with may influence how much they like you. Many dogs feel intimidated by high energy, especially in the beginning of your relationship. This can cause adverse reactions and may lead them to react in a hostile or fearful way, such as barking, biting, or retreating. Your best bet when introducing yourself to a dog is to approach in a calm manner. That builds trust and gives them room to sniff you out, literally.

Talking can Help Dogs Warm up to you

Believe it or not, dogs understand a lot of human speech - especially intonation. Speaking to dogs with a positive tone activates their reward center. When they feel rewarded by your presence, the dog will begin to like you more. So try talking to dogs in a positive tone moving forward and see how they react.

Don’t Take Their Resistance Personally

If a dog seems resistant, don’t take it personally. This often has less to do with you and more with the dog’s history, especially if they are adopted. Many adopted dogs are trauma survivors and have been abused in the past, so they are more skittish toward humans than a dog who had a positive childhood. There may be something triggering them, like a hat or your stature, so consider these variables as well.

Give Dogs Time and Space to Build Trust With You

Simple but true, a dog may just need some time to be around you before warming up. Even if they are not physically close to you, once you’ve been around long enough and they realize you’re not a threat, they may come to love you.

Where Else can I Get Help?

Hopefully, some of these tips will be a help in getting your dog to like you. There may be more going on with your dog than has been addressed in this article. If that’s the case, consider working with a veterinarian or trainer who specialize in behavioral treatment.

Good luck with your pet! Hopefully, soon, you will experience the rewarding joy of having a close bond with your dog.