Why is My Dog Avoiding Me?
If your dog won’t come to you or approach you, it can be very concerning. Dogs love us and even when they’re in trouble, they often seek out their owners for love and comfort. So, when your pup avoids you, it can be difficult to figure out why – and hard to know how to respond.
Possible Causes
There could be a few different reasons why your pup is avoiding you or is afraid to approach:
- Pain: The primary concern when your pup avoids you is whether or not they’re experiencing pain or discomfort. If they’ve recently been injured or they suddenly seem reluctant to move, they may avoid you to let you know they’re in pain.
- Fear: Fear of you can be caused by any number of things. If you’ve been too harsh or scared them in the past, it may have left behind a lingering fear that causes them to avoid you. Another potential cause of fear could be a past traumatic event, like being taken away from their siblings or their mom too soon.
- Separation Anxiety: If your pup is feeling anxious or stressed when you’re away and avoids you when you’re home, separation anxiety might be to blame. If you’ve recently changed their routine or added an additional pet to your household, this could be enough to trigger anxiety in some dogs.
What to Do
The best thing you can do is take your pup to the vet to rule out any pain or injuries. If they get the thumbs up from the vet, the next step is to begin to rebuild trust. Go slow and be safe; start by simply offering treats at a distance and use plenty of positive reinforcement to let your pup know that you’re safe.
Know that it may take a while for your pup to trust you again and come out of their shell. With some patience and time, your pup should soon be back to their old, lovable self!
2. Could my dog’s recent behaviour be linked to a new environment, such as a new home?
Yes, it is possible. Dogs are creatures of habit and can often become anxious and uncomfortable when they are put into an unfamiliar environment. If your dog is showing signs of distress or is demonstrating changes in behaviour, it may be a result of a sudden change in their environment, such as a new home, particularly if your dog is still getting used to their new home. If you are concerned about your pup’s behaviour, it is important to consult a veterinarian to rule out any medical issues and determine the best course of action for your pet.
3. Could my dog’s avoiding me be a response to a particular emotion, such as fear or anxiety?
Yes, it is possible that your dog is avoiding you due to fear or anxiety. Signs of fear or anxiety in your dog may include avoiding eye contact, cowering, panting, trembling, hiding, and even aggression. It is important to talk to a veterinary professional to determine the cause of your dog’s behavior.
1. Is my dog feeling unwell or in pain?
It is difficult to tell without speaking directly to your dog or conducting an examination. If you are witnessing any unusual behavior from your dog such as lack of energy, limping, lethargy, or loss of appetite then it is best to take them into see a veterinarian as soon as possible. Your veterinarian will be able to diagnose any ailments and illnesses and provide the appropriate treatment.