“I just don’t like her”
Why Doesn’t My Dog Like Some Dogs?
Often I meet dogs who show some degree of aggression or reactivity towards other dogs - but it doesn’t happen with every dog. Sometimes it seems random.
But is it really?
When There’s a Clear Pattern
In some cases, you can see a theme. Maybe your dog reacts more to:
Fluffy dogs
Flat-faced breeds
Certain sizes or body types
It’s like a little doggy prejudice. At least then, there’s a pattern we can work with.
When It Feels Random
Other times, it’s harder to explain. Why do some dogs seem fine with most, but then blow up at one random stranger dog in the park?
Think of it like this: have you ever met someone at a party, been introduced to a mutual friend, and just… not liked them?
Maybe you couldn’t put your finger on why.
Maybe it was the look on their face.
Maybe they said something that rubbed you the wrong way.
Maybe it was me and you’re about to unsubscribe… 😅
But the point is: sometimes we just don’t click with everyone. And neither do our dogs.
Possible Reasons Your Dog Dislikes Certain Dogs
There’s always some reason, even if it’s not obvious to us. For example:
The other dog might be too energetic and coming off as “rude.”
Both dogs may carry themselves in a dominant way, and neither wants to give in.
Or maybe your dog got the doggy finger from a passing poodle once and never forgot that b*tch’s face.
Whatever the reason, we can’t expect our dogs to like every single dog they meet.
What You Can Do
Even if we can’t control your dog’s “friend list,” we can:
Train them to listen under distraction.
Learn to read body language so you can step in early.
Build better communication through training together.
The benefits? A stronger bond, clearer communication, quicker learning, and a tired (a.k.a. calmer) dog. Win, win, win.
Want Help With This?
👉 Download my free ebook Why Does My Dog Do That? to understand the “why” behind your dog’s behaviour.
👉 Watch my Free Reactivity Video Workshop to learn step-by-step strategies for dogs who struggle with triggers (including other dogs).
👉 Explore the Dog Matters Academy for full training programs that will make your dog safer, calmer, and easier to predict in any situation.
Woofs and wags,
Tenille 🐾
Here’s the top resources you need to create the most successful and rewarding relationship with your dog through training:
🐕 Get the free ebook that answers the question, ‘Why Does My Dog Do That?” and how you can change it - Get the Why Does My Dog Ebook HERE
🐕 Join the Virtual Dog School self-paced online training program and turn your dog into your dream best friend - SIGN UP HERE
🐕 Take the free reactivity training video series - SIGN UP HERE
🐕 Join the reactivity program, Frantic To Focused, which has helped dog owners all over the world to enjoy walks with their dogs again - JOIN HERE
Featured Course:
Frantic to Focused
This comprehensive course takes you step by step on how to get your dog from a frantic dog to a focused dog on walks. EVEN around other dogs.
Popular Ebook: Training Matters
Looking for information online can be so confusing as there is so much conflicting advice. In Training Matters, we explain not just the how of dog training, but the why, so that you know what to do and why to do it this way.
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