Your dog loves you. Other dogs? Maybe not so much. It’s not that they don’t like you, it’s just that they aren’t drawn to you like bacon.
You lack that je ne sai quoi, that something special that turns you into a doggie Pied Piper.
Dog behaviorist Karen London has three simple steps that will have every dog begging you for belly rubs.
Step 1: Ditch the accessories
Hats, hoodies, sunglasses, purses/backpacks, clown costumes, etc… are huge turn-offs to dogs. They can’t always process what you’ve got going on and it might intimidate them and/or lead to aggression. The same is true of things you hold in your hands. Clipboards, books, bags (even grocery bags) and babies – yes, babies – will make a pup think twice about you.
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Step 2: Don’t be rude
If you’ve travelled to other countries, you know that a lot of polite American things are straight up rude in other cultures. The same is true in canine culture.
Don’t approach a pup by looking them in the eye or patting them on the head. Don’t speak to them in a loud voice, either. Instead, turn to the side, squat down and speak softly. Wait for the dog to approach you.
Step 3: Bring gifts
Everyone likes presents. Some yummy noms or a good squeaky toy can win a dog over in a matter of seconds. This will help a dog to associate you with positive things, rather than negative ones.
Try out these tricks the next time you’re at the dog park and see if you find yourself surrounded by uber amounts of fluffbutt ruv!
h/t AZ Daily Sun.
