Dog Behavior - Are You My Friend Or Enemy?

Most people don’t realize that, just like people, dogs may take one look at a stranger and either love them or hate them. Most dogs will greet most strangers by sniffing and sometimes barking. My dogs usually like most anyone that comes to my house if they are given a little time to meet and great them.

I have found that many dog owners are very surprised when their dog doesn’t react in a friendly manner towards a guest. Sometimes it can be quite obvious why a dog doesn’t like a particular person. A dog may take a dislike to a person who may be talking too loudly, moving too quickly or wearing something that the dog doesn’t like. My dogs are generally very social, however, all three of my dogs are very suspicious of anyone wearing a hat. It started with my oldest dog and has trickled down to the other two. They refuse to be nice to anyone wearing a hat. They will usually just ignore and avoid this person.

Most dogs tend to be more accepting of any one who talks calmly to them and moves slowly. Many times if your guests will ignore your pets for awhile, they will calm down. A lot of dogs will be curious as to why they are being ignored and will many times approach your guest in a more friendly manner.

If your guests are not animal people or are just afraid of your dogs, it is best to not have your dog around them. Every so often, I have to crate my dogs for my guest’s safety. I have one particular friend that they intensely dislike. We have tried everything to get them to like her but we finally had to give up. Sometimes it just isn’t meant to be.

Always keep the safety of your guests and dogs in mind. It is best to put the dogs in a different room if it looks like things are not going to go well and maybe try again another day.