12 Signs Your Dog Doesn’t Like You

Due to their affectionate nature, dogs are likely to show us love.

Knowing that dogs enjoy being around people, learning that one doesn’t like you can be pretty upsetting.

It’s bad enough when a strange dog refuses to allow you to pet it.

But it can be disappointing when you bring a new dog into the family, and they don’t get along.

Important to say at this point: when a dog starts acting differently around their favorite human, it may be trying to hide an injury or illness.

A trip to the vet may be necessary to respond to a sudden behavior change like this.

But if it isn’t a medical reason, how do dogs show they don’t like someone and how you can see it in dog’s behavior?

In this article, we will discuss 12 signs your dog doesn’t like you.

Not Wagging Tail

white dog sitting on floor just the tail on the image

If you pay close attention to your pet’s tail, you can learn a lot about their emotions.

When you approach your dog and they begin to wag its tail happily, it indicates that they are content and delighted to see you.

On the other hand, a tucked tail is an undeniable sign that the dog is anxious or afraid.

Pay attention to the subtle differences between your dog’s tail wags to understand how they feel.

On that note, remember that not all tail wags immediately denote friendliness.

Broad wags, particularly those in which the dog’s butt is moving back and forth within its body, indicate happiness.

On the other hand, a slow, reluctant tail wag is frequently an indication that the dog is uneasy about a situation.

No Cuddles After Food

human hand touching dog head

Being pack animals, dogs yearn for company.

It’s great if your dog enjoys playing or cuddling with you.

They consider you a pack member and enjoy your company and attention.

What else? Your dog loves you if they want to cuddle up with you after dinner.

Dog hugs after meals signify a close bond between owners and pets because they demonstrate that your dog doesn’t see you as anything more than a feeding machine.

However, if your pet is actively ignoring you, it’s usually a sign that they are unhappy, so you might want to try and figure out why.

No Direct Eye Contact

brown dog eye from near

Animal behaviorists think that one of the first steps in the domestication of dogs was the dog’s ability to look into a human’s eyes without becoming aggressive.

They discovered that dogs enjoy eye contact and that a meaningful connection can be made by looking someone in the eyes.

Your dog will trust and comprehend you if they are willing to look lovingly into your eyes and make eye contact that way.

On the other hand, if a dog doesn’t like you very much, he will not look at you and will move away.

That is because dogs tend to favor flight over combat.

Growling

labrador laying on grass looking angry

Dogs typically growl when they are uneasy or afraid of something.

Most of them use it as a warning to prevent something from happening, like a stranger patting their heads.

When other dogs approach too closely, a dog would growl at them to tell them to back off.

But if your dog starts barking at you, this could mean he doesn’t like you that much.

Not Sleeping In Your Room

white dog mouth under a white blanket

To avoid being attacked by predators, wolves and wild dogs choose to spend their nights in small, enclosed spaces with trusted pack members.

Because they perceive us as members of their pack, our dogs believe they can depend on us to defend them from harm.

There may be a trust issue if your dog won’t sleep in the same room as you.

Ignoring Commands

big brown dog sitting in front of a woman

Some people mistakenly believe that training a dog is all about the dog, but it’s really about the relationship formed between the two parties.

A dog is less likely to take to training effectively if they don’t trust its owner.

Many people who bring newly adopted rescue dogs home have trouble training them because of a lack of trust.

Since many rescue dogs have experienced the worst of humanity through abuse, punishment, and abandonment, it is difficult for them to trust their new families.

While it’s crucial to start training immediately, it might take a rescue dog a few months to understand that its new family is its forever home.

Additionally, studies in developmental science have demonstrated that dogs disregard information they deem unimportant.

It is a good indication that your pets are unhappy with you if they suddenly ignore your commands and seem to be giving you the cold shoulder.

Wagging Tail To The Left

brown dog tail on grey ground

A dog will wag their tail to the left if they are wary of another dog or a person they don’t trust.

That may be difficult to see when you are around.

According to recent studies, a tail wagging to the left is a sign of stress, fear, or unfavorable emotions.

This tail-wagging behavior in dogs can occur when they are around an unfamiliar, dominant dog or person.

On the other hand, a tail wag to the right denotes contentment or a relaxed dog.

Dogs frequently exhibit this tail-wagging behavior when they cherish their owners.

Disappear When You’re Around

back of a dog just walking away

There’s a good chance your furry friend is avoiding you on purpose if they insist on keeping their distance from you.

Dogs are less likely to engage in destructive behavior than to choose to do so.

Therefore, if your dog runs away whenever you enter the room, it’s apparent that they feel threatened or upset and need to distance itself.

But keep in mind that hiding is also a symptom of illness. Therefore, it’s time to call the vet if your pet frequently disappears from your home.

Not Sleeping Relaxed

grey dog laying on white couch

A dog is highly vulnerable while sleeping; a content dog will doze off, relax, and expose its belly.

When uncertain about their surroundings, dogs typically worry about their safety and won’t expose their vulnerable areas.

Therefore, if your dog is guarded around you, it may be a sign that they are uncomfortable.

On that note, remember that if your dog chooses to sleep on its side or with its belly up, it means they are unconcerned.

They are at ease and ease in their surroundings, with no apprehension.

There are many different dog sleeping positions and a few shows if dogs are relaxed.

Refuses Your Treats

brown dog sitting on wooden floor gets treat by a man hand

Your dog is not an idiot.

Most animals will refuse treatment if they feel uneasy around a person who is scared or upset.

If you’ve ever noticed that your pet doesn’t seem to enjoy the treats the veterinarian gives them after administering shots, that’s probably why.

No Presents

dog from near with his toy in mouth

Giving you toys, bones, or any other random item as a gift is one of the cutest things dogs can do when they trust you.

Even though you may not be interested in their worn-out tennis ball, your dog’s willingness to share it shows genuine affection.

That is because most dogs are possessive of their possessions.

They have enough faith in you to allow you to nibble on their bone because they know you’ll share it with them or give it right back.

Therefore, if your dog is reluctant to share its toys with you, it might indicate that they don’t fully trust you.

Don’t Want To Be Touched

woman hugging a brown dog

Petting a dog makes them feel loved relieves stress, and strengthens the relationship between the dog and owner.

While there may be times when your dog is simply uninterested and doesn’t want to be petted, it is concerning if this behavior is a regular occurrence.

The second is that they growl at you.

Your dog is undoubtedly unhappy if they are barking at you.

A dog may whine and call out for its guardian if they want to be close by.

When a dog is upset or feels threatened, its vocalizations become more aggressive.

They may even bark out in frustration.

Like humans, dogs send you a clear message to back off when they show their teeth.

Before You Go…

Now you know the signs your dog doesn’t like you.

If you want to learn more, read the following articles too!

Mena Emad, DVM
Mena has a Bachelor’s degree in veterinary medicine. His expertise, passion for animal welfare, extensive knowledge, and experience in the field of veterinary medicine make him an excellent resource for our readers.