Why Your Dog Might Be Backing Away From You
We adore our fur babies so it’s hurtful when we reach for them and they back away from us. Why does that happen? How can you remedy the problem?
There are several reasons why canines back away from their humans when the human reaches for them, including anxiety, you’re not gentle enough, pain, fear, weariness from too much attention, she wants you to chase her, she’s bored, she’s adjusting to a new home, you’re much bigger than he is, he doesn’t want you to pick him up or she’s upset that you don’t spend enough time with him.
He Is Anxious
Nervous dogs think that you’re approaching them for something bad, maybe a trip to the vet or a bath.
You can help an anxious dog by training, walking and playing with him to make him feel secure through bonding. They like order, so knowing what you want them to do makes them feel confident. A pup who feels loved and mentally stimulated is a healthy and happy pooch.
You might want to pair treats with reaching for your dog to reinforce that nice things happen when you are near him, and he shouldn’t flee.
If your dog had an owner before you who traumatized him, or if he’s just exceptionally nervous, you might want to try CBD oil or essential oils. Both have been known to calm people and animals naturally. Alternatively, your veterinarian can prescribe a medicine to soothe your dog.
You’re Not Gentle Enough
Some dogs want to be petted gently, others like to wrestle and tussle a bit. If your pup is the former, you need to respect that and give attention gingerly.
She’s In Pain
Is your dog suddenly backing away when you approach her? She may be injured and unable to tell you. If she has an internal injury, it will hurt when you pick her up. Older dogs have joint issues and experience chronic pain.
If you don’t see an injury, you may need to go to the vet.
At the risk of sounding like a CBD oil/essential oil salesperson, those are also helpful for older dogs with joint problems.
The best way to lift up a dog is by placing your dominant arm under her chest. Picking her up in that manner will prevent injuries.
She Fears You
Be sure that your pooch knows you love her and would never hurt her. She may have had a bad experience in the past or perhaps you accidentally stepped on her paw or did something else that hurt her.
Engage in bonding activities like playing, training and walking. Reassure her that you won’t do anything bad to her.
Weary From Too Much Attention
Most dogs want to play and be adored all the time. There are exceptions, and if your dog is one of them, he might just need a break. Perhaps he’s an introvert. You could let your pooch come to you more often. Maybe have some smelly treats in your pocket to attract him.
You could also show him his leash to see if he’s interested in a walk or present a toy or ball so he knows he can have fun with you.
She May Want You To Chase Her
If your canine is young, energetic or always up for fun, she may actually turn away hoping that you’ll give chase. If you’re up to it, you can play along. If you don’t want to encourage that, don’t follow her. When you follow a dog who walks away as you approach, you’re providing positive reinforcement. It’s important to ignore bad behaviour and reward desirable behaviour.
Your Pup Is Bored
This is a bit like wanting you to chase her scenario. She needs stimulus and is initiating play by moving in the opposite direction.
Still Adjusting To Your Home
If your doggo is new to your family, he may still be adjusting to the setting and to you. It takes a few weeks for a pooch to understand that he’ll be staying with you permanently. New people, pets, smells, sounds and surroundings take a while to adjust to.
To help your new fur child adjust to living with you, you may want to set up a routine. Maybe a walk before work, playtime, a walk around suppertime and whatever else you choose to do to bond and make him feel comfortable and safe. Training builds confidence. Here’s a video about basic training How to Teach The First 7 Things To Your Dog: Sit, Leave it, Come, Leash walking, Name…)
You Are Much Bigger Than She Is
Little dogs can worry about being stepped on. In the wild, smaller animals know that bigger animals can easily hunt and eat them. If you’re much larger than your pup, get down to her level so she can look into your eyes and see that you are kind and love her. Imagine living with a gigantic creature and only being able to see its feet. Your pup wants to get a close-up look at the rest of you, and that will make her feel safe.
Doesn’t Want To Be Picked Up
Speaking of a gigantic owner, imagine being small and having someone sweep you up in their arms constantly. Many canines enjoy being picked up and cradled like a baby, but it may occasionally become too much. If your pooch is squirming around in your arms and trying to break free, you know she’s had enough cradling. She’ll likely want to be picked up if you don’t do it for a little while.
She’s Upset That You Don’t Spend Enough Time With Her
You’re in the dog house because you haven’t carved out enough time for your fur baby. You’re busy, you’re working, the house needs to be cleaned and all that, but your dog’s life revolves around you, and she doesn’t have many other activities besides sleeping and eating. Daisy will be very happy and will feel loved if you schedule time with her each day. Squeeze in a little playtime or walk before you leave for work and after you have dinner.
Dogs lower our blood pressure, make us laugh lower our anxiety when we look into their eyes. You need a break, and your dog wants your attention. Being together is healthy and fun for both of you.
How to Work Towards Solving the Problem
If your dog keeps backing away from you when you reach for them, there are a few steps you can take to address this behaviour:
- Consult a Veterinarian: If your dog’s behaviour is sudden and persistent, it could be a sign of a medical issue, such as pain or discomfort. It’s best to consult a veterinarian to rule out any underlying health issues.
- Positive Reinforcement Training: Train your dog to associate being approached with positive experiences, such as treats or praise. This can help build their confidence and reduce any fear or anxiety they may have.
- Gradual Desensitization: If your dog is uncomfortable with being approached, you can gradually desensitize them by slowly increasing the distance between you and your dog as you reach for them.
- Avoid Punishment: Punishing your dog for backing away from you can only worsen the behaviour and make your dog more anxious or fearful.
- Seek Professional Help: If you are unable to address the issue on your own, seek the help of a professional dog trainer or behaviourist. They can help you understand your dog’s behaviour and provide you with strategies to address it.
By taking these steps, you can help your dog feel more comfortable and confident when you reach for them. It’s important to remember that every dog is unique, and what works for one may not work for another.
Conclusion
Dogs backing away from their owners when they reach for them can be a result of various factors, ranging from fear to dominance. Understanding the reason behind this behaviour can help pet owners address the issue and strengthen their bond with their pets.
If your dog consistently backs away from you when you reach for them, it’s best to consult a veterinarian or a professional dog trainer for a proper evaluation and appropriate treatment. By understanding the reasons behind this behaviour, we can ensure a happy and healthy relationship with our canine companions.
