How to Get a New Dog to Like You.

Whilst most dogs are happy, friendly and loving, it’s not a guarantee that meeting a new pup means they’re going to love you instantly.

Dogs are complex little creatures, much like us, and you might not hit it off straight away. If you’re getting a new dog and want it to like you, here are a few things to try!

Feed Them! – The old adage; you can get to a dog’s heart through their stomach! Getting your dog to associate you with good things is the best thing to do! Food is one of most dogs’ favourite thing, so linking you to that is smart, but also trains them to have a healthy relationship to food and feeding time.

This might seem obvious but if you want to get a dog to like you there is more to it than placing a bowl of food on the floor. In the wild dogs work for their meals and both puppies and adults will respect you more if they have to earn their daily rations. Use some of their food as training rewards. Let them earn their dinner.

What you don’t use for training should be fed in meals, two or three times a day, preferably in a puzzle toy.

This is how to get a dog to trust you, not only will it build a bond between you, it’ll help prevent food aggression.

Walkies is Always a Winner – This is a sure way of how to make your dog love you more than anyone else. Dogs love walks and all breeds need exercise to keep them fit and active.

This is quality time we spend with our four-legged friends so make the most of it. Don’t rush your dog when it comes to walks. This is more then exercise to them, it’s interesting, fun, smelly and they’re going to want to enjoy it as much as possible If you’re along for the rise too, even better. Quality time doing things they love with you is a great way for them to like you, love you and love spending time around you.

Keep Calm – Dogs pick up on our energy, and it can affect the way they are around you. If you’re anxious, nervous or aggressive around the dog, this puts them on edge too.

Staying calm translates to the way you are around your pooch when they’re excited too – it’s a good tool to use to train them out of overly-boisterous behaviours. It can be tempting to greet a dog with excited energy but avoid the temptation.

 If you approach a dog in an excited state, it can make the dog excited and lead to an unwanted greeting, like it jumping up on you. It can also trigger a dog’s fight or flight instinct if a stranger with high energy approaches. Stay calm and speak softly.

Let Them Come to You – Constant attention is not always needed or appreciated from your dog – like most creatures (including us!). Being adopted is one of the most stressful things a dog will ever go through. Before you can do any of the cool stuff you plan on doing with them, they must feel safe around you.

If you have a smaller toy breed or lapdog, they may never leave your side and love being petted but this doesn’t apply to all dogs, especially ones that have been in kennels or abused. Don’t take it personally and don’t push it.

Giving them the choice is how to get a scared dog to come to you, let your pooch decide when he wants affection offer treats as a reward but don’t pressure them. This is very important if you are trying to get a rescued older dog to like you as they may be fearful or nervous if you are constantly approaching them, however, good your intentions.

Let Them Sleep With You - This might be a divisive suggestion. Some people don’t like the idea of their pet sharing their bed with them, but if it’s a newly adopted dog this might be a great step t get them settled.

This is also, for most of us and them, very comforting. Here are 5 ways it can benefit you too

• Feel safer – Having a dog nearby when we are asleep and at our most vulnerable makes us feel more secure and leads to a better night’s rest.
• Keep us warm – Not much use in the summer months but who doesn’t love cuddling up to their warm bodies on a chilly night.
• Stress relief – As we know from therapy dogs a pooch’s presence relieves stress and anxiety one of the main causes of insomnia.
• Make you live longer – I kid you not! Studies have shown that sharing your life with a pet will increase your time on earth that’s definitely worth a snuggle.
• Improves mental health – Night-time can be a lonely time especially for those who suffer from depression. Having a calm, loving presence next to you can bring great comfort.

Please do bear in mind that everything in this post is strictly advisory and has been gathered from various reputable sources from the internet. We're not vets, and you should always seek professional advice if you ever have concerns.

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