16 Proven Steps to Make Your Dog Love You

Feeling a bit frustrated because your dog does not seem to like you? Yeah, we’ve all been there.

Not to worry though, it’s nothing you can’t handle. In this post, I shared 16 tips on how to get a dog to like you.

Whether it is a dog you recently adopted, intend to adopt, or meet at a friend’s place, these tips will be helpful.

Are you ready? Let’s jump right in!

 #1 – Give The Dog Time 

Many folks believe that dogs love without restrictions. They are respectful and very devoted to their owners.

This is not the case for every dog, especially in the initial stages of the dog-owner relationship. A dog needs time to get used to his environment.

You may not be his favourite companion just yet, give him some time. Building a cordial relationship with your dog takes a while.

Having this understanding is a good foundation on which you can begin to make efforts to get a dog to like you.

#2 – Help Him Feel Safe (How To Get A Dog To Like You)

While you are giving your dog time to understand his new home, let him do that feeling safe.

You can help him feel safe by giving him his own space/room. Choose a spot where the dog wouldn’t be in anyone’s way but he can still see the activities in the house.

A corner in the living room will do. You can include a crate or just a bed. Also, add blankets and chew toys.

Spending time alone in this unique spot will give your dog time to process his new environment and know that he is safe.

And, while your dog is in his space, let the rest of the house know that he is not to be disturbed.

When a dog feels safe, it becomes easier for him to bond with you.

#3 – Let Him Know You Can Protect Him

I understand you may want your dog to protect you by frightening strangers/thieves off. But your dog also needs to know that you can protect him.

A good way to achieve this is to intervene whenever you notice that your dog is scared.

For example, if your dog is not a people lover, stop visitors from touching him. Or maybe a toddler is trying to drag your dog by the ears, step in right away.

As you intentionally make efforts to protect your dog, he will feel more relaxed and like you more.

#4 – Is Okay To Calm Him Down When He Is Afraid

You may have heard that comforting your dog when he is afraid means you are encouraging him to be fearful. That’s a myth!

It is okay to pat your dog when he is afraid. You are simply calming his nerves and managing his emotions. This is quite different from when you are reinforcing a behaviour like ‘sit’.

Petting your dog when he cowers beside you reassures him that he is safe and he will like you more.

#5 – Do More Of What Your Dog Likes (How To Get A Dog To Like You)

Here is another way to get your dog to like you. Once you discover what your dog enjoys doing, create time to do those things with him.

For example, if your dog loves to dig, you can get a sandbox.

Maybe he loves to play fetch, spend more time playing the game with him.

If it is ‘walking’ that he loves, then walk with him as much as you can afford to.

And if you are yet to know what your dog likes, you can try out different activities like tug of war, a flirt pole, or play Frisbee, etc.

The more you do what your dog loves, the more he will like you.

#6 – Share Your Bed With Your Dog (How To Get A Dog To Like You)

You may not know this but when you let your dog sleep in your bed, he feels safe and loved.

This is a good way to help your dog blend in with the family. And it is best to do this when your dog first arrives.

With time, he can then sleep in his crate as he gets used to his new home.

#7 – Employ Positive Training Methods 

In your attempts to get your dog to like you, don’t punish him for bad behaviour. Rather, train him to behave well.

There are different pieces of training that you can give your dog including potty training, obeying commands, playing games, etc.

You don’t have to bother about correcting your dog from messing up the yard. Simply train him to use the doorbell when he wants to do his business and you both are good to go.

Additionally, have breaks when you can play with your dog. You don’t have to be all serious during training sessions.

When you are not training your dog to do something, get toys, and play with him.

And of course, treats must not be missing in your training sessions.  As your dog learns to follow your instructions, reward him with treats, some display of affection, or playtime.

Training your dog this way produces better outcomes as compared to correcting bad behaviour. Your dog learns what you want while having fun. This will make him love you more.

#8 – Pay Attention To Your Dog (How To Get A Dog To Like You)

Don’t make the mistake of being absent-minded when you are with your dog. He will notice and do likewise.

Give your dog the utmost attention when you are together. That moment is not when you figure out what is going on at the office (LOL).

Your dog will like you more when he realizes that he has your full attention.

Furthermore, it will help if you take your dog for walks. This is a good way to show him attention.

While walking with your dog, don’t always lead the way. Let him lead at some points and it is okay if he wants to sniff flowers. Don’t restrain him.

#9 – Run Errands With Your Dog 

As your dog is feeling more at home, another approach you can take to get him to like you is to run errands together.

Take him along when you want to pick up a delivery, when you want to mow the lawn, visit the pet’s store, attend a sports event, etc.

Additionally, you can also do a dog sport like an agility class, some Frisbee dog tricks, or train as a therapy dog team.

This means you get to spend more time together and bond.

#10 – Feed Your Dog The Right Way

I’m certain that you have plans of giving your dog an adequate diet. However, what I wish to emphasize at this point is how you present the food to your dog.

Leaving the food in the bowl for him to eat whenever he wants is not the best option.

Your dog must see you pour the food in the bowl. Sometimes, feed him some portion from your hand before dropping the bowl for him.

Other times, you can use the food as a reward for training. Give your dog one or two commands that he must obey to earn his dinner.

Using a puzzle toy to serve food is also an excellent idea.

The idea is to make your dog understand that you are the provider of the food and cause him to like you more.

#11 – Do Fun Stuff Together (How To Get A Dog To Like You)

Spending time with your dog does not always have to be about training or fixing bad behaviour.

There are different fun stuff you can do together like:

•  Hiking

•  A camping trip or road trip

•  Explore a beach or lake

•  Go swimming

•  Attending a dog show in the park

•  Wandering in a pet expo and collecting free samples

•  Going on a picnic

•  Bike riding

•  Watching agility competitions, etc.

All these are superb ways to be together and create good memories with your dog.

So far, we have seen tips on how to improve your relationship with your dog. In the following tips, you will see how to get a dog that is not yours to like you.

Are you ready? Let’s roll!

#12 – Never Assume That Every Dog Will Like You

Dogs have different personalities. Therefore, you should not approach a dog thinking he will like you because the few dogs you have met before, did.

When you meet a new dog, don’t be in a hurry to befriend him. Give him time to assess you.

If he feels safe and approaches you then you can respond accordingly. But do well to take things slow.

#13 – Understand His Body Language (How To Get A Dog To Like You)

To get a dog to like you, try to read his body language and respond in that line.

Here are a few examples:

•  A wiggly body and a loose wagging tail shows a willingness to interact

•  Yawning or continuous lick of lips indicate stress (in this case give the dog time to relax)

•  Hunching toward the ground could mean that he is stressed or afraid.

#14 – Your Body Language Will Go A Long Way

In addition to understanding the dog’s body language, you should also watch yours.

For example, towering over the dog is not a good start. Instead, stoop to his height.

While at his level, don’t stare him in the eyes. Look sideways and give him time to assess you.

If he pulls back, don’t try to force him. He needs more time.

When he eventually draws closer, let him do so at his own pace.

#15 – Obey The Three-Second Rule

The three-second rule is a way to confirm that a dog is enjoying your company.

Once you have sensed that a dog is willing to befriend you and you want to touch him, don’t pat his head right away.

Start with a shoulder massage and stop after three seconds.

If the dog comes closer to you or tries to pull your hand with his paw, he means you should continue.

On the other hand, if he pulls away, then he wasn’t enjoying it. Let him do his thing for a while.

If he comes back to you, fine and if he doesn’t, it is okay.

#16 – Use Treats (How To Get A Dog To Like You)

Treats can also encourage a dog to warm up to you a lot faster.

If the dog is not willing to pick the treat from your hand, you can toss it at him. He will most likely pick up the treat and wait for another.

Keep at it until you are both friends.

For a dog that is already interacting with you, a treat will boost the bond between you too. Enjoy!

Conclusion

Getting a dog to like you requires effort on your end to reassure the dog that you are fun and safe to be with.

You should try the tips above. I hope they work for you.

This is where we will end our discussion on how to get a dog to like you.

Now tell me, have you had a hard time getting a dog to like you? What did you do to reverse the situation?

Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments section.

Also, share this post with your friends. Thank you!