How do I get a dog to like me?

When it comes to dogs, always treat them with respect and approach them calmly. Avoid invading their personal space and boundaries. This can be a deal breaker for them. With stranger dogs, you can start by giving them treats before you try to pet them.

3 Things dogs don’t like in people

Hostility or aggression

Just like us humans, dogs can also feel that they are threatened.

And they don't like that. 

So when you show some hostility, or you are being aggressive to them, they get uncomfortable and threatened, resulting in them showing hostile behavior too.

They are attuned to your emotions and can also read your body language.

This is why you should not show any confrontational behavior to them.

Certain acts can be threatening to dogs, such as:

• Loud voices;
• Sudden movements;
• Direct eye contact.

All these can make them fearful, resulting in them being defensive for themselves.

Lack of respect for boundaries

Even though they are animals, dogs also have their own space and boundaries. 

However, when their space is invaded, they get stressed and uncomfortable with the situation.

This results in them losing their trust.

For worse, they show fear-based behaviors, such as aggression. 

As man's best friend, they want to be handled gently and about their comfort. 

This is why when they show signs, such as growling or lip lifting, you might want to stop what you are doing and try to regain their trust again.

Lack of assertiveness

Aside from being hostile to dogs, your lack of assertiveness can also be a huge reason why your dog does not like you.

Typically, dogs look for leadership and guidance from their human companions.

And when you don't show that, they get anxious or hesitant behavior in certain situations.

Dogs love clear communication and want consistency in rules from their handlers, and if you don't have any confidence to instil that, they can get uneasy with you.

3 Tips to make dogs like you

Approach them calmly and respectfully

As discussed, dogs are sensitive to human body language, so if you are planning to approach a dog, make it in a way where you are calm and show respect to them.

Refrain from making any unnecessary movements.

You shouldn't also make loud noises around them. Don't force yourself when interacting with them, especially when they feel nervous. 

Make yourself appear less intimidating to them. Try to offer your hand so they can sniff them first before you try to pet them.

Respect their boundaries

As they don't like their personal space getting invaded, you must learn how to respect their boundaries.

Don't try to overcrowd or overwhelm them with too much attention.

If they try to back away, growl at you, or avoid making eye contact with you, that means they are still uncomfortable with you. 

When this happens, always give them some space for them to relax.

Building trust can take time, and you need to be patient and consistent with your interactions.

Use positive reinforcement

One method that was tried and tested to build trust and friendship with dogs is positive reinforcement.

You can start by giving them treats and words of praise.

When there is an improvement, you can try to pet them and see if they positively respond to you.

Always use a calm voice when talking to dogs.

This makes them trust you more as they thrive with communication.