If you own or meet an unfriendly dog, it may be difficult to interact positively with him. However, with most dogs it is possible to do this by monitoring their actions and approaching them gradually. To bond with a dog that isn't yours, let its owner guide you. If it is yours, reward and encourage small wins, for example with a quick caress, without being intrusive. Also, consulting your vet can help you figure out if there is a health problem behind the aggression.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Interacting with an Unknown Dog
Step 1. Obtain permission from the owner to approach
If he's present, be sure to ask if he's okay with you interacting with his dog. Some animals have been trained not to interact with strangers or are too scared to be touched. If the dog is free and unsupervised, judge whether to approach or call the municipal kennel.
When you talk to the owner, you might say, "What a beautiful dog! Can I pet him?"
Step 2. Investigate the reason for his hostility
As soon as you notice that your dog is being aggressive or unfriendly, try to identify the possible causes immediately. Could it be uncomfortable because there are too many cars nearby? If so, approach him with more caution.
At this point, you may want to ask the owner (if present) for advice on how to interact with the animal. For example, he may suggest that you keep your distance for a while
Step 3. Approach from the side
When you decide to have friendly contact with a dog (whether it's for the first time or not), don't approach him by walking in front of him - this puts you in a confrontational position and the animal could become defensive. Move slowly and move to the side, like drawing a small arc.
Step 4. Look away
Avoid direct eye contact with a hostile dog. He may interpret this as an act of dominance and no longer want to socialize with you. Look him in the eye only occasionally, and generally look away; focus on his ears, for example.
Step 5. Stand level with the dog
When you spend time with him, try to keep up with him. To look at it, lower yourself or bend on your knees: in this way you will find yourself in an equal position. This allows the animal to understand that he too has decision-making power, removes some of the pressure in interacting with you and allows him to relax.
Once crouched or seated, you will not be able to move quickly, so do not assume these positions if your dog is particularly aggressive
Step 6. Be careful when petting him
Slowly reach out one hand, keeping your palm up to make the dog sniff. Stay in this position, you never have to touch it right away. After he inspects you for a while, you can withdraw your hand and repeat the process.
- When the dog calms down, you can gently pat him. However, always avoid touching him on the muzzle, you will make him feel vulnerable. Give him a pat on his side or back.
- If at any time the dog shows his teeth, wrinkles his nose or growls, move away and try again later.
Step 7. Proceed gradually
Whenever you try to make friends with an unsociable dog, you need to be slow and methodical. Give him his time; if you try to speed up the process, the bond will still not be deep enough and the animal may go back to being aggressive or shy.
Step 8. Offer rewards
If the owner has treats with him, ask if you can give the dog a couple. If the pet is alone and you have snacks with you, you can try giving them (being careful). It is best to offer them indirectly. Drop a couple of them on the ground in front of him, looking in another direction.
If your dog begins to associate food with your presence, it means that you are making progress in bonding with him
Step 9. Ignore a shy dog
Another option is to pretend the dog isn't there and continue to behave normally. You can do this for a short time, or several times, before attempting to stroke it. If the dog sniffs you, stand still and let him do it. The fact that he is intrigued is a good sign.
Method 2 of 3: Interacting with Your Dog
Step 1. Know its history
Abuse, or lack of socialization, can lead the animal to become hostile. Gather as much information as possible about your dog's past. It will allow you to bond by working on his problems, but avoiding attitudes that clearly disturb him.
- For example, if he was beaten by his previous owner (who was a man), you may have to face more difficulty gaining his trust (if you are a man too). Keep this in mind and be even more patient.
- If the animal becomes aggressive in the presence of food, try leaving it alone while it eats. Try to socialize with him at other times.
Step 2. Interact with him in a quiet environment
Some dogs are unfriendly because they suffer if their senses are overloaded. To minimize this problem and reduce stress, make your home as quiet as possible. Keep the volume on your TV or radio down and try not to scream from room to room if you need something. Ask other family members to do the same.
This is like pressing your dog's "reset" button; this will make him understand that the new environment requires new ways of relating to the previous one
Step 3. Always be patient
The pet will likely make mistakes and this will test your bond and friendship. React calmly when wrong. Say a gentle but firm "no", then move on.
Step 4. Let the dog approach first
While you are busy around the house, do not give him attention most of the time (at least until his aggression begins to diminish). Wait for him to approach you to "inspect" you by sniffing you. Stay still until it's done.
While he sniffs you, you really have to stay still. Don't move, don't try to stroke him or reach out
Step 5. Provide positive encouragement
It is difficult to do this if the dog does not let himself be touched, but you can still be a positive presence in his life. Instead of hugging him directly, you can hug one of his toys after sitting in front of him. Don't be afraid to use snacks as a treat. Most dogs respond positively to small pieces of chicken or other treats.
You can drop them on the floor or hold them on your open palm and wait for them to take them
Step 6. Enjoy quiet activities
Exercise can sometimes release tension in a hostile dog, but in other cases it can stimulate aggression, so use this strategy with caution and stick to light activities for best results. Take him for a long walk or hike. Play Frisbee with him in the garden or just lie down together and watch the sunset.
Step 7. Take a socialization class
Learning new things together can improve your bond, however don't risk too much and try to make it a relaxing experience. Signing up and attending education classes can be one way to change your dog's attitude. A certified educator can make you do particular activities that highlight his strengths, working on his weaknesses.
To find a good education course you can ask your vet or call the nearest pet store. You can also search online by typing the name of your city along with "dog training course"
Method 3 of 3: Check Warning Signs
Step 1. Pay attention to the attitude of the body
If the dog you are interacting with begins to curl up, as if preparing to attack, immediately back off. If he behaves ambiguously and suddenly stiffens, it is possible that he will respond aggressively to your attention. Lowering the muzzle and turning around are also negative signs.
Step 2. Check your teeth and eyes
Most likely, if the dog is pushed beyond its tolerance limits, it will start growling and showing its teeth. This is just a warning, but if it goes unheard it could bite. You may also notice that the animal tries to make and maintain direct eye contact with you. In this case, it looks elsewhere, but does not lose sight of it.
Step 3. Look at the tail
A happy, friendly dog will usually shake her and generally squirm. If you make large circular movements, this is usually a positive sign. If, on the other hand, he begins to keep her rigid, it is a sign of tension. He may still wag his tail, but it's a movement of agitation, not happiness.
Step 4. Consult a veterinarian
If you've worked with your dog for a long time and don't see any signs of improvement, you may need to speak to a professional. He can suggest some tricks to help you or to check that it's not a health problem that is making him unsociable. His aggression could be due to a seizure disorder or other underlying medical condition, which causes him pain.
A change in diet has also been shown to reduce anxiety, helping owners have a positive interaction with their dog
Advice
- Dogs observe how humans interact with each other. Be calm and friendly with people and animals around you and your dog will start to trust you more.
- Speaking in a low voice can also help relax a hostile dog.
