Sometimes I have people tell me (within a short span of time) that their dog likes me more than it likes them. I don’t know if “likes” is the right work, but the dog will be drawn to me. I don’t have a special power, anyone can duplicate this with a dog. You don’t have to be a dog trainer to be popular with dogs! Here’s some simple rules to follow:
1. Don’t be pushy. – I let dogs come up to me on their own speed and at their own terms. I don’t rush to put my hands on a dog. I don’t rush to talk to a dog. I like them to be pushing in to meet me before I start interaction. I like to interact with the people until the dog is practically begging to be noticed. If a dog looks like it is really having trouble bolstering up the courage to come see me I will squat down and be still, at a right angle to the dog, and let them come investigate me.
2. Don’t be an emotional mess. – Dogs vastly prefer calm interactions when meeting someone. Don’t squeal and coo and make a big fuss. Dogs like the strong silent type. 🙂
3. Be interesting. – When I say that I mean try to see what activity/interaction the dog likes, and if possible provide some of that. If you like to pound on a dog’s back because you think they like it take a look at the dog and see if they truly seem to be enjoying that (most don’t). I see many people who interact with the dog in a way that the person likes with no regard for what the dog might like. Most dogs like gentle scratching/massage behind the ears, on the rump, on the muzzle, under the chin. They don’t like being pinched, poked, shook, or screeching into their face from point blank range. If you take a dog for walks, or play fetch with it, you will become a gateway to activities the dog likes so it will be drawn to you.
4. Know the dog’s coin. – By “coin” I mean what does the dog really like? Food? Toys? Affection? Be ready to use those coins when you want to interact/train the dog.
5. Be clear. – Let the dog know what you like and don’t like in a calm and prompt fashion. Dogs aren’t big fans of ambiguity. They won’t hold a grudge when corrected reasonably and from a place of calmness. Conversely let the dog know quickly and consistently when it does something right.
If you incorporate some of these concepts into your dog interactions you will find dogs liking you a lot more too. 🙂
