Poll of the Day > My family got a dog from the shelter and it hates me

(+) Yeah! (+)

Every time I walk in the room it growls at me.

I have a phobia of dogs, I'm actually really afraid of it. -_-

Anyone have experience getting dogs to like them? It doesn't help that it can probably tell I'm afraid of it.

It's got good taste.
---

Assert your dominance. Dogs, especially ones from a shelter, grow to know who is the alpha of their pack. If you're exhibiting signs of fear, a dog can pick up on that and take it as a sign of weakness, resulting in them defining you as not an alpha.

I've got a lot of shelter dog experience I'll post here later.
---

Obviously youre demon spawn.

lmao suck it nerd
---

Pet the dog

easiest way to a dog's heart is food.
---

I'm not sure I've ever met a dog or cat which disliked me (after meeting me, anyway), so I can't offer much advice. However, I will note that I've always found dogs to be excellent judges of character =p
---

Fight it. If you win it'll recognize you as higher up on the food chain. Probably below your parents and sisters.

WastelandCowboy posted...

Assert your dominance.

That's exactly what I did. I walked in the door, it growled at me, so I walked up to it pointed and said "No." So then it started licking me and I was friendly towards it. I get the feeling it's mistaking me for someone else. That's a good start, but I'm assuming it's going to take more than that. I can intimidate it, but then it actually has to like me and feel comfortable around me too, so I probably have to play with it and reward its good behavior. The dog either seems very dumb or a little crazy.

Then I walked downstairs and started shivering because it freaked me out. With animals, I guess it's all about putting on a show. I really am scared of them though. When I was 5 I was attacked by a dog and all I really remember was that I barely escaped with my life.

Zeus posted...

However, I will note that I've always found dogs to be excellent judges of character =p

Nice. I think it's mistaking me for someone else and their bad character, though.

Yellow posted...

Every time I walk in the room it growls at me.

I have a phobia of dogs, I'm actually really afraid of it. -_-

Anyone have experience getting dogs to like them? It doesn't help that it can probably tell I'm afraid of it.

Get a kitty...man's REAL best friend :)
---

OK, any animal that has been in and through a shelter has seen some shit. Puppies and kittens aren't as noticeably affected, they're usually in and out fairly quickly (or they're raised there and adopted out quite young). Adult animals start showing different behavior. Did you get any background on the dog? There probably isn't any but some dogs will have it. How long has the dog been with your home? it takes time to adjust to a new home and new expectations.

If it's an adult dog any of a number of things may have happened to it to cause trauma. Could have been abandoned, may have been neglected in its home, may have been mistreated, may have never lived in a stable household. It is a mystery

You need to be assertive and attentive to the dog's body language. You said "no" and it stopped growling and licked you. Seems friendly, right? Licking is often a soothing behavior for stressed and anxious dogs. It's not necessarily affection to you.

You need to build a relationship with the dog with clear and consistent boundaries, and you also need to reassure the dog you are safe. Judicious treat use helps. You can do that in a way that is more helpful for the dog than just doling out tasty bits.

https://www.petfinder.com/dogs/bringing-a-dog-home/newly-adopted-dog/

http://www.paw-rescue.org/PAW/PETTIPS/DogTip_Shy.php
---

Yellow posted...

I have a phobia of dogs, I'm actually really afraid of it. -_-

It can smell your fear.
---

Dogs suck, so its all good
---

if I where you, i'd insist on being the one to feed it for awhile, try to not act scared of it also. that may make it lighten up. be patient though it may not happen (and mostly likely won't) over night.

ive seen a few cases though of a dog never growing to like a particular human despite any effort to try to win the dog over, but in those cases I have to say I agreed with the dog.
---

It's scared, ok?
---

Yellow posted...

That's exactly what I did. I walked in the door, it growled at me, so I walked up to it pointed and said "No." So then it started licking me and I was friendly towards it. I get the feeling it's mistaking me for someone else. That's a good start, but I'm assuming it's going to take more than that. I can intimidate it, but then it actually has to like me and feel comfortable around me too, so I probably have to play with it and reward its good behavior. The dog either seems very dumb or a little crazy.

You can insist on being the one who feeds it meals. I'm sure that would curry favor... as long as you weren't feeding it curry. Dogs don't really like curry.
---

I'm just really upset right now. This isn't working at all. :(
---

It's been one day dude, give it time.
---

Pin it to the ground, mount it, and then pet it until it loves you
---

One time my step moms husky growled at me, I grabbed him by his collar, lifted his ass up and threw him outside. Fucker wasn't growling anymore when I let him back in, dominance.
---

Bite its ears.

it takes time for a rescue dog to build trust. you didnt raise it from a smol puper
---

darcandkharg31 posted...

It's been one day dude, give it time.

I can live with the fact that I'm just going to get a panic attack every time I leave my room, I can't live with the fact that this olds going to ruin my relationship with the rest of my family. It growls at me an tries to chase me away from them every time I'm near.

It's really bad, I get a weird hot feeling in the back of my neck and I feel like I'm about to lose my life because it gives me flashbacks of when I was mauled by a dog as a little kid.

And it's really hard trying to schmooze up the dog and get on its good side. This is just horrible.
---

I think we got ourselves a catch 22 or something here, dudes is scared shitless of dogs, he makes dog edgy, dog is untrustful of dude, that in turns scares dude, thus making dog cautious, we got ourselves a round about sort of thing.
---

Sounds like a smart dog.

Well I have two options here.

I can get them to give the dog to a family friend, or I can move out. I'm 22 so it's about time anyway.

The dog is happy though, my family really likes it. I don't think I'll make it leave.
---

I like how the options here aren't express dominance.

Well considering you call the dog "it" rather than "he/she", it's no wonder you're so hated.

He sounds like one cool cat.
---

BlackScythe0 posted...

I like how the options here aren't express dominance.

I already did that. Last time I yelled at it it came up and tried to bite me.

I put my hand right next to it and it starts licking me. I pull it away and it growls. I point at it it licks me. I pull it away it growls. I pick it up it freezes up, I set it down it growls. I can't make it like me if it doesn't like me, it's already afraid of me. I'm already "dominant", it just hates me. The growling is getting into my head.

DistantMemory posted...

Well considering you call the dog "it" rather than "he/she", it's no wonder you're so hated.

Who let all the asshole posters itt? Is there a hole in the dam?

Nah, I'm not leaving for this dog. But if we can't find another place for it I'm leaving.

I actually hate the dog and fuck being a nice person. There isn't a chance in hell I'm moving out to let the stupid rat just replace me.
---

Yellow posted...

I pick it up

Yellow posted...

stupid rat

wait... what kind of dog is it?
---

A tiny one, ok?
---

Yellow posted...

BlackScythe0 posted...

I like how the options here aren't express dominance.

I already did that. Last time I yelled at it it came up and tried to bite me.

I put my hand right next to it and it starts licking me. I pull it away and it growls. I point at it it licks me. I pull it away it growls. I pick it up it freezes up, I set it down it growls. I can't make it like me if it doesn't like me, it's already afraid of me. I'm already "dominant", it just hates me. The growling is getting into my head.

DistantMemory posted...

Well considering you call the dog "it" rather than "he/she", it's no wonder you're so hated.

Who let all the asshole posters itt? Is there a hole in the dam?

Nah, I'm not leaving for this dog. But if we can't find another place for it I'm leaving.

I actually hate the dog and fuck being a nice person. There isn't a chance in hell I'm moving out to let the stupid rat just replace me.

Im laughing so hard Im going to faint. You actually called others assholes and then said this! Self-awareness isnt your strong suit!

Not being a stepping stool isn't the same as being rude, you know.
---

Yellow posted...

A tiny one, ok?

Dude who cares if it growls at you, ignore the little fucker. I thought it was at least a medium sized dog that had you scared.
---

DistantMemory posted...

Yellow posted...

BlackScythe0 posted...

I like how the options here aren't express dominance.

I already did that. Last time I yelled at it it came up and tried to bite me.

I put my hand right next to it and it starts licking me. I pull it away and it growls. I point at it it licks me. I pull it away it growls. I pick it up it freezes up, I set it down it growls. I can't make it like me if it doesn't like me, it's already afraid of me. I'm already "dominant", it just hates me. The growling is getting into my head.

DistantMemory posted...

Well considering you call the dog "it" rather than "he/she", it's no wonder you're so hated.

Who let all the asshole posters itt? Is there a hole in the dam?

Nah, I'm not leaving for this dog. But if we can't find another place for it I'm leaving.

I actually hate the dog and fuck being a nice person. There isn't a chance in hell I'm moving out to let the stupid rat just replace me.

Im laughing so hard Im going to faint. You actually called others assholes and then said this! Self-awareness isnt your strong suit!

And to be fair it was mostly the random posts that contributed nothing before you I was annoyed by.
---

Yellow posted...

Who let all the asshole posters itt? Is there a hole in the dam?

Nah, I'm not leaving for this dog. But if we can't find another place for it I'm leaving.

I actually hate the dog and fuck being a nice person. There isn't a chance in hell I'm moving out to let the stupid rat just replace me.

You're being beyond unreasonable here.

Shelter dogs need some time to adjust. You have unrealistic expectations for bonding and behavior changes. And if you continue to treat the dog like a nuisance rat animal you'll never get there.

I've dealt with a lot of bad reasons to give up an animal and an adult child in the home being afraid of a toy breed for just one day, that would rank among them
---

darcandkharg31 posted...

Dude who cares if it growls at you, ignore the little fucker. I thought it was at least a medium sized dog that had you scared.

Phobias are irrational. I can't expect anyone to be able to relate.
---

LMAO I read then when I got to the part its a tiny dog.... I just started laughing. If I knew you in real life I would laugh at you...

I think your family wants the replacement. I know I would from your attitude. Let them buy you a dog house.
---

When I got home it started barking at me, so I stared it dead in the eye until it shut up. I hear in dog language that means "put up or shut up".

Turns out dogs don't want to actually get in a fight with something 10 times its size.

Oddly enough after that it had no problem with me and even sat right next to me. It'll just do the same exact thing tomorrow because it's stupid.

Apparently I just need more nerve to boss this thing around.

jonathan8123 posted...

LMAO I read then when I got to the part its a tiny dog.... I just started laughing. If I knew you in real life I would laugh at you...

I think your family wants the replacement. I know I would from your attitude. Let them buy you a dog house.

Oh, and you're afraid of spiders, huh? Sounds pretty silly to me.

Unless you can put a big ass spider in your mouth and let it crawl around I don't want to hear it.
---

SmokeMassTree posted...

Pin it to the ground, mount it, and then pet it until it loves you

Does this work for gals too? I hope so.
---

Yellow posted...

A tiny one, ok?

---

Yellow posted...

Apparently I just need more nerve to boss this thing around.

Yup, dogs are pack animals and respond accordingly.
As awful as it sounds, you do need to rough it up to assert dominance over it. Flip that dog on it's back, hold it down, push it's gums into it's teeth (not enough to draw blood, of course), and then give it pets and love after it's calmed down but the second it starts acting up, you need to stop that shit cold.
Obviously never abuse the animal, you should know when it's abuse, but letting it do whatever it wants should be a hard stop.

The idea is that, as a pack animal, you are replacing the alpha in it's brain.

shadowsword87 posted...

Yellow posted...

Apparently I just need more nerve to boss this thing around.

Yup, dogs are pack animals and respond accordingly.
As awful as it sounds, you do need to rough it up to assert dominance over it. Flip that dog on it's back, hold it down, push it's gums into it's teeth (not enough to draw blood, of course), and then give it pets and love after it's calmed down but the second it starts acting up, you need to stop that shit cold.
Obviously never abuse the animal, you should know when it's abuse, but letting it do whatever it wants should be a hard stop.

The idea is that, as a pack animal, you are replacing the alpha in it's brain.

I'm not sure if you're trying to have a laugh at Yellow's expense, or if you're being serious, either way pushing on a dog's gums into its teeth to try and make yourself the 'alpha' is one of, if not the dumbest thing I've read in quite awhile. All you invite by doing that is a serious problem down the line which could see the dog being euthanised, and potentially you as the owner prosecuted, or sued due to the dog attacking someone that put their hand too close to the dogs mouth.

Anyway, that's besides the point, it's not that Yellow's dog is out of control, Yellow has a fear of dogs, and his new dog picks up on that fear. This is something Yellow needs to deal with, and change in himself, no amount of training for the dog will change that.
---

Runner_style posted...

I'm not sure if you're trying to have a laugh at Yellow's expense, or if you're being serious, either way pushing on a dog's gums into its teeth to try and make yourself the 'alpha' is one of, if not the dumbest thing I've read in quite awhile. All you invite by doing that is a serious problem down the line which could see the dog being euthanised, and potentially you as the owner prosecuted, or sued due to the dog attacking someone that put their hand too close to the dogs mouth.

Have you ever trained a dog before? The pushing the gums into the mouth is a bit extreme, but it works.

Yellow posted...

Unless you can put a big ass spider in your mouth and let it crawl around I don't want to hear it.

... are you trying to put this dog in your mouth?

shadowsword87 posted...

Runner_style posted...

I'm not sure if you're trying to have a laugh at Yellow's expense, or if you're being serious, either way pushing on a dog's gums into its teeth to try and make yourself the 'alpha' is one of, if not the dumbest thing I've read in quite awhile. All you invite by doing that is a serious problem down the line which could see the dog being euthanised, and potentially you as the owner prosecuted, or sued due to the dog attacking someone that put their hand too close to the dogs mouth.

Have you ever trained a dog before? The pushing the gums into the mouth is a bit extreme, but it works.

I may have come across as heavy handed in my last post (not intended). I've been training dogs albeit my own since I was 13. I just believe that pain compliance (even if it's very light) when it comes to training is a risky thing to do for someone that's not used to dogs, or how to train them. Another factor to consider is the dogs own personality, and its background, especially if it involves the mouth, as one quick nip from the dog could end up with a trip to A&E.

Yellow says he's afraid of dogs, and as mentioned in the last post dogs (as you know) pick up on that fear, I do believe that method of training isn't something Yellow should take up for the time being until he's gotten over his fear.

Speaking of Yellow's dog, just a quick question for you Yellow, is your dog fearful at all? Not necessarily towards you, but to anything in general.
---

Yellow posted...

BlackScythe0 posted...

I like how the options here aren't express dominance.

I already did that. Last time I yelled at it it came up and tried to bite me.

That is not expressing dominance.

Dominance is mostly about body posture and facial expression.