My dog likes his personal space. There are a number of organizations that raise awareness of the fact that certain dogs require their own space and prefer not to be approached… we’d want to join them in this effort. Let’s find out why my dog likes his personal space.
Most of you fellow dog owners out there, I’m sure, know a young child, perhaps even a not-so-young child, who loves to come up to your dogs and cuddle them (and treat them like dolls or teddies)… sometimes this can be a BIG ‘NO, NO,” and this is one of the most important lessons we need to teach children. Dogs do not enjoy being confined in an embrace – A DOG’S NATURAL BEHAVIOR IS NOT TO CUDDLE. Let’s see more about why my dog likes his personal space.
My dog likes his personal space when and why
There are a variety of reasons why dogs don’t want to be contacted or why their owners don’t want them to be approached, including:
Be just an elderly or anxious dog who doesn’t want or enjoy the attention, and if it’s pushed on them, they may react poorly (we’d place our eldest in this category, though she’s seldom aggressive because of it – she’ll usually try to get out of the situation, even if it’s just by looking away).
Have been attacked by another dog or treated cruelly by a person – dogs that have had a terrible experience may associate certain kinds, colors, or sizes; or breeds of dogs; or the way someone appears; or a certain word or gesture – and we can only speculate what the trigger will be.
They may be recuperating from a surgery, or they may have or be recovering from an infectious infection or condition that makes them more worried than usual.
If you’re a female in season, any approach from a male – neutered or not – will most likely be undesired (that’s a whole other matter).
If you’re a puppy, a young dog, or another dog in training, the approach of another person or dog might be an unwanted distraction.
Be a dog who hasn’t been properly socialized or taught dog language when you feel my dog likes his personal space!
These canines aren’t always mean or aggressive; they simply have distinct personal space norms. Many dogs may like the companionship of other dogs; for example, our eldest enjoys the company of our youngest and frequently invites her to play.
Even with dogs, it’s common for them to communicate whether or not they want to be approached, and they’ll pay attention to and heed the signs they receive.
Our senior Border Collie is a cautious dog who will show other dogs that she does not want to be bothered by turning her head away, turning her entire body away, walking away, or even lying down facing away.
You may not be aware that not all dogs can communicate in dog language. It’s true that few people, including dog owners, understand canine language, and some may have had to learn some hard lessons as a result!
There are so many dogs around these days that it’s difficult to avoid them, and it would be terrible if parents simply taught their children to avoid dogs, whether or not they have one in the family.
Explore and Educate
It would be far more beneficial to educate toddlers on some rudimentary dog language in order to keep them safe around the dogs they would unavoidably encounter in their daily lives.
While out on our walks, we frequently encounter children who are afraid of dogs (one of the main reasons we decided to specialize in helping children and dogs) and they frequently do the Absolute Opposite of what they need to do to avoid being approached by even a friendly dog.
A reason dogs want personal space is so they may have a comfortable place to sit when visitors arrive. Dogs, as much as humans like them, sometimes become too eager when visitors arrive. Place Lassie in her own space until everyone has become used to her. This will make things simpler for you and your visitors.
When a dog needs space, they will most likely do what comes naturally to them: enter their own area. They’ll move away from you (or try to get away from you if you’re holding them or caressing them) to a safe place, such as their bed or under a table/behind an item. This is perfectly OK, and you should leave them alone if they do so.
If you don’t give a dog its space and they don’t get it, they may turn to more blatant tactics of urging you to go, such as growling or maybe snapping at you. Obviously, if your dog does this every time you attempt to pat them, you have a problem, but for the most part, this is a habit brought on by the person who is constantly bothering them.
When dogs don’t want to be touched or tampered with, they usually make it quite apparent. They may bite the hand that reaches out to pat them or refuse to come when called. The challenge is to figure out what causes that reaction. My dog is dominating, and she has had to be “put in her place” so that the two of us may live together comfortably. Dominant dogs, on the other hand, are in the minority, according to the literature.
His warning behaviors when my dog likes his personal space
We’re dealing with a situation where a dog wants to be left alone, therefore here are some basic explanations of some frequent dog warning behaviors – if a dog:
- When someone walks away, it suggests they want to be alone.
- When a person’s lips are closed, their head is turned away, and they are gazing away, it suggests they want to be left alone.
- Has large eyes (instead of almond-shaped eyes), droopy ears, and lips closed, indicating that they find the situation aggressive.
- Is yawning, lip licking, and/or stretching – this indicates that they are stressed by the circumstance.
- Has a vertically elevated tail – It’s best not to mess with them right now since they’re trying to make a point!
- It presents a half-moon shape on the bottom portion of the white of the eye – it’s probable they’ve already expressed their dissatisfaction with the situation.
- Is wagging their tail low, indicating dissatisfaction with the circumstances
- When a dog’s tail is tucked between his rear legs, it suggests he or she is nervous or afraid.
- When approached, they shrink back, indicating that they are nervous or afraid.
- Barks while backing away – they’ve probably already expressed their dissatisfaction and are now becoming enraged!
- Your dog appears to be under duress.
- Your dog is barking.
- Your dog has taken to hiding.
- Recently, your dog’s schedule has been unpredictable.
- Your dog is behaving strangely.
- Your dog has expressed an interest in going outside without you.
- Your dog isn’t as enthusiastic about walks as you are.
- Your dog has become more nervous or violent.
- Your dog seems indifferent and reluctant.
- Your dog isn’t looking for your attention.
- Your dog is a self-contained entertainer.
- Your pet dog is ill.
- Your dog’s health is deteriorating.
What is the proper way to act when my dog likes his personal space
In any event, we must teach youngsters that approaching any dog requires permission from its owner, just as it is necessary for dog owners to get permission before letting their dog approach another’s.
If you own a dog, you should be aware that not every dog owner wants their dog approached. If you approach someone who is walking their dog on a leash, you should return the leash to them unless it is evident that there is no problem. Of course, if you’re close enough to talk with the other owner and they say it’s fine for your dog to approach theirs, it’s fine to let your dog go.
Permission to approach your dog can sometimes be inferred from the acts of the other owner, such as if they let their leashed dog stop and smell your leashed dog; or if they cross the road or turn and go the other way, then you get the idea to find way why my dog likes his personal space.
It’s always wise to inquire if you’re unsure.
The following are ten things that parents should educate their children about dogs:
Never pet a dog without first allowing the dog to see and smell you.
Never approach a dog that is not accompanied by its owner.
Petting another person’s dog requires consent from both you and the owner.
If a dog owner is unable to handle, hold, or have their dog sit politely to be touched, do not pet the dog and move away.
Never approach a dog on a leash, in a car, or restricted behind a fence.
Never taunt a dog or attempt to pet them over fences or windows.
When a dog is resting, eating, or caring for puppies, do not disturb them.
Wagging a dog’s tail does not imply that it is friendly or eager to play.
Never chase a dog or run away from one that chases you; instead, stay motionless, arms by your sides, and be silent (no yelling!) or turn your back and walk quietly away from the dog.
If you come across an injured dog, don’t touch it; instead, get assistance from an adult and you say my dog likes his personal space.
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