Why Some Dogs Don't Like Their Owners: Unveiling the Re

Signs of Dislike

Curious about why your dog might not like you? The first step is to recognize the signs. Here are some indicators that suggest your dog has a low level of trust in you, which can be interpreted as a lack of affection.

Avoiding Eye Contact: This is one of the most common signs. Dogs may believe that locking eyes with you could lead to trouble. Some might argue that wolves in the wild also avoid direct eye contact with the alpha wolf!

Be aware that while a normal dog might simply turn away, dogs that don't trust their owners may also stand up and move away when they turn their heads to avoid eye contact.

Disliking Being Petted: Petting is supposed to strengthen the bond between you and your dog, but dogs that don't trust their owners often shy away from your hand and resist being touched.

Pinched Ears: This behavior, often accompanied by other signs, such as quickly looking away and pinching their ears when you glance at them, followed by turning around and leaving, indicates tension and danger, a common negative emotional response in dogs.

Snarling: While this can also be a sign of dislike when being petted, it's important to note that dogs that dislike being touched will usually just move away. If your dog snarls at you when you attempt to touch or pet it, be cautious, as further interaction could lead to an accident.

If your dog exhibits three or more of these behaviors, it's clear that they have little trust in you.

However, if your dog shows only one to two of these behaviors, it's advisable to increase daily interaction to prevent the situation from worsening. If you've ever fed a stray dog, you'll notice many signs of distrust towards humans in them.

Now, what could be the reason behind this lack of affection?

Dogs, unlike humans, have simple and direct thought processes and behaviors. As mentioned in yesterday's article,梗犬 (a type of dog) can be particularly aloof compared to other breeds. Therefore, analyzing the cause requires considering both the breed and the individual dog.

Generally, dogs develop a lack of trust in their owners due to some form of强迫 (coercion) or because the owner is violent in their daily interactions. There are many other reasons, such as a dog not liking to be hugged, but the owner insists on hugging them every time they come home. Over time, this can lead the dog to avoid the owner and develop a fear. If the owner continues to force the hug, this can gradually erode the dog's trust.

This is why many owners in foreign countries, after teaching their dogs basic obedience, no longer force them to do things against their will. That's why you rarely see dogs performing "tricks" like walking on their hind legs in foreign countries.

Some might argue that obedience training is also a form of coercion. While it is indeed a form of coercion, in the long run, obedience training is beneficial with no drawbacks, making it a worthwhile investment.

Ultimately, to gain your dog's trust, start by examining yourself and remember not to force your dog to do things it doesn't want to do, of course, with exceptions like preventing it from defecating outside.

Pay close attention to its daily behaviors and body language.

Finally, what else can you do to deepen the trust between you and your dog?

There's a simple method to strengthen the bond of trust between you and your dog: the "Four Timings."

This involves regular, timed activities such as walking, feeding, playtime, and grooming. Don't underestimate these four points; dogs are creatures of habit, and when your regular routines stimulate their behavior, it leaves a lasting impression. These four activities are positive reinforcement for dogs, naturally building trust between you and your pet.