Q&A for How to Befriend Dogs

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How can I befriend a dog that doesn't like me?

Dee Hoult
Certified Dog Behavior Consultant
Dee Hoult is the CEO of Applause Your Paws, Inc., South Florida's largest privately-owned dog training company. With over 15 years of experience, Dee specializes in correcting dog behavior problems by providing engaging, positive education and non-intimidating training. Dee holds a BS in Marine Science and Biology and an MBA from the University of Miami. She is a credentialed Certified Professional Dog Trainer through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers and a credentialed Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC) through the International Association of Applied Behavior Consultants (IAABC). In 2018, Dee was a finalist for Woman of the Year for the Women in the Pet Industry Awards.

Dee Hoult

Certified Dog Behavior Consultant

Expert Answer

Rather than directly approaching the dog, wait until it comes to you. That means it's learning to trust you. Be patient though, since it can take a bit of time for a dog to get used to someone.

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Question

How can I befriend a dog again?

Community Answer

Follow the same steps here and be very patient. It may take time to regain trust.

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Question

How do I befriend a stray dog?

Community Answer

Let it sniff you; if it is aggressive, don't make physical contact - just put out food. It will come over more often. After a week, it might be safe to go out and let him sniff your hand.

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My friend's dog is pretty aggressive towards strangers. I tried to feed it, but it kept growling and barking at me. What can I do?

Community Answer

This is a job for the owner, she needs to train him to be less aggressive towards others. There is not much you can do about it personally if the dog does not know you or trust you and hasn't been trained properly.

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Where should I touch the dog?

Community Answer

When you want to pet a dog, start off by petting their back. Not all dogs like belly rubs or to be touched on their face. If you have your own dog, you'll eventually learn where it likes to be petted most.

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My friend has a dog that is lonely and neglected. We can’t get it help so I wanted to befriend it so eventually I can take care of the dog myself. How do I get her to calm down and befriend her?

Community Answer

Sit at a distance away (so you don't invade its personal space) and talk to it, be gentle. Get closer but watch for signs of nerves, don't forget to give the dog breaks. Maybe try to give it a treat or two. Be careful though. If you take your time and are kind, the should warm up to you. When it does remember to talk softly, pet its back and to watch for it no zones (the areas that give it anxiety when touched). All in all be kind and keep in mind that the dog is nervous too.

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Question

How can I befriends with a stray?

Guinea Piggles

Community Answer

Start by leaving out some food and water in your front yard or backyard. Maybe you can install a camera so that you can see if the stray dog came. Then, watch the dog eat. After a few weeks of this, slowly walk up to the dog and try feeding it out of your hand. Hopefully, the dog will learn to trust you and befriend you.

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