Sometimes it can be frustrating when your dog doesn't seem to like you. They may cower in your presence, snarl or bark.
This may be a sign that they don't trust you or feel comfortable around you. If so, there are some things you can do to help them warm up to you.
Don’t Give Up
The best way to ensure your dog lives a long and healthy life is to provide them with all the love and care they deserve. You can do this by keeping them clean and well-fed, teaching them new tricks and training them to behave responsibly. You can also make your home a safer place for them by eliminating sources of potential harm from the equation.
The song and accompanying video that oh-so-fashionably got the most buzz is Peter Gabriel’s “Don’t Give Up” from his fifth studio album So (released in 1986). The song was actually the brainchild of Gabriel’s then girlfriend Jill, who was on the lookout for a tune to woo her teddy bear. The single was a hit in the UK and US and was featured on the soundtrack to the film Miami Vice, where it received some minor screen time. The music video was a technological and artistic marvel by the standards of the day, directed by Godley and Creme and utilizing animation and some gimmicks.
Don’t Distract
If you are distracted, you may not be able to give the dog what it needs. You might need to take a step back, see what you can do to distract yourself and then do it.
Distracting yourself can be a healthy way to cope with upsetting thoughts or memories. However, if it leads to unhealthy behaviors like overeating or drug use, you should seek help from a mental health provider.
The most important thing you can do is to identify the thought or feeling that’s prompting your distraction. Then, you can take steps to manage it over time.
For example, if you’re feeling overwhelmed by your work responsibilities, try finding a hobby or activity that helps you keep your focus on the task at hand. This might be something as simple as a puzzle game or watching a movie. If you’re looking for a more social activity, you can volunteer at a local nonprofit or animal shelter.
Don’t Punish
You might find yourself tempted to punish your dog after they’ve done something wrong. However, this is never the right thing to do and can have lasting negative effects on your relationship with your pet.
Rather than punishing your dog, take away the object they’re misbehaving with (your hand, your pants) or give them a time out. This will help them to understand that they can’t do a certain behavior, and the consequences of it, without being punished.
The Don’t Punish campaign has grown dramatically since it was launched in 2013, with thousands of activists in 260 cities around the world putting harm reduction, decriminalisation and community engagement on their agendas. Through creative and collaborative activities, this global grassroots-centred initiative has been a key player in bringing harm reduction on the political agenda while growing people power to ensure no one is left behind. This year’s Global Day of Action is just one of many milestones that have helped to make this movement a success.
Don’t Threaten
Trying to run away from a dog that is threatening you can be a bad idea. Not only are you likely to get bitten, but you could also scare the dog, and that is something that you don’t want to do in a situation like this.
Instead, try using a trick to distract the dog from you. This might be as simple as letting them smell the back of your hand. A more elaborate trick might be to gently stroke their back from collar to tail. Or, you could use a stick or a squirt bottle to get them to rethink their position. The point is to get them to look at you in a positive way rather than as something to be scared of. It’s not always easy to do, but it is worth the effort. Getting a dog to see you in a different light will go a long way toward making them feel safe around you.
