How do you approach a small dog that is barking at you?

Question

Normally I have no problems with dogs. Since watching the Dog Whisper series on the National Geographic Channel, I am curious to know if there is a meathod to stop any small non-agressive dogs from barking at me. Like my neighbor's dog for example. The reason why I asked is because I want it to know me better as a good human friend.

Answer 1

The best thing to do when you encounter a barking dog is to stop and let the dog smell you.Don't look at it don't try to touch it and don't speak to it until it has the chance to check you out.Just stand calmly until it stops barking close to your feet or legs.Let it smell you a few times before you try to move on.Once you take a step it'll probably start barking again so stop and stand calmly once more and let him smell you again.Talk to him this time in a playful tone and offer him a treat if it's o.k. with your neighbors just don't try to touch him until he's completely comfortable with you.
Don't ever offer a dog your hand to smell right away cos he may mistake the gesture as you're trying to grab him keep hands at your sides.And don't look him in the eye or make fast movements just act calm and confident and the dog will check you out and dismiss you as a threat.

Answer 2

You should NEVER approach a dog that doesn't know you without it's owner's permission. And especially if it's growling or barking. If you really feel the need to have this dog like you, talk to the owner and see if you can come spend time with the dog...with the owner there. Take it slow, let it smell you...but don't try to pet it til it seems comfortable with you.

Answer 3

Well, I suppose your neighbor dog needs to get use to you maybe if he sees you more often the dog will know you better.
Also, have you tried kneeling down to the dog's level so that it doesn't feel as threatened and letting the dog sniff your hand.
One time, I took my dog to the vet and the vet knew that my dog has a history of biting (not agressively just when it's scared) and the vet turned her back towards my dog and left her hand out for the dog to smell it. She said it's so that the dog doesn't feel threatened.
Maybe try it hope if works.

Answer 4

it could be barking because the owner leaves it out there to long and or its lonely.I would just talk to it like baby talk for a while than if your comfortable after a few wekks approach it.Next time you see the owner outside ask if you can pet it

Answer 5

I wouldn't try it....small dogs have genuinely big teeth in most cases. rather, kneel down keeping only the back of your hand offered to the dog and allow him or her to approach you. Much less threatening and you may make a new doggie friend.

Answer 6

Ask your neighbor to introduce you to the dog first, don't ever off someone else's pet food or treats. They might be allergic to something in them.

Answer 7

What you can do is approach it very slowly and try to pet it. Don't hesitate, it might scare it or get it mad. If you want to, you could bring a treat to it when it lets you pet it. That worked with my dog.

Answer 8

i guess the best thing you could do is start off by petting it. then everytime you see it...give it a dog biscuit. everytime you see the dog be SURE to give it a dog treat. then the dog will begin to like you and look forward to seeing you.

Answer 9

I dislike small dogs intensely. I'd show it my toe.
The owners are usually small in some way too! - use your imagination.....
It doesn't like you, that's why it barks. Don't waste your time on it.

Answer 10

Get him/her to like you. Give the dog a treat or a stick and he/she might like you.