Handling the dog should be worked on from its puppy stage, otherwise behavioral problems may arise when petting it, when strangers approach it, at the vet and even by the family itself. However, we must differentiate those cases in which a dog has never been handled from those in which we have seen a change in behavior.
In this article on our site we will explain why it happens and what to do when a dog won't let you touchFollow our advice and don't forget to go to a canine ethologist or educator if this problem is too serious to try to solve it yourself, don't forget it.
Why won't a dog let itself be touched?
As we explained in the introduction, handling the dog should begin when it is still a puppy, in its socialization stage, so that it gets properly used to social contact and receiving caresses from its human family. Otherwise, in its adult stage the dog may interpret the manipulation as an invasion of his personal space, and react in two ways: fleeing or attacking.
Other factors that can cause this situation are premature weaning of the puppy, suffering from a painful disease (which may or may not have been cured) and even due to learning If we have not handled a dog correctly (hurting, for example) or in a way that he has considered unpleasant, he may begin to reject social contact, something that reinforces itself when he runs away or tries to attack us.
The most common cause of this problem is having had a traumatic experience, be it with the vet, children, or even pets. own family members, who have done it without realizing it.
The dog does not allow itself to touch parts of the body
It can also happen that a dog tries to avoid us touching certain parts of its body, such as its legs, head, ears or tail. In these cases we must make sure that our dog does not suffer a he alth problem that is causing the rejection.
Going to the vet before starting treatmentwill be essential to make sure that his change in behavior is not due to a possible illness. Hip dysplasia, mites in the dog's ears or tail docking (a practice that should never be done) are the most common causes that can cause pain.
Let's also remember that if the disease has been a traumatic experience for the dog, he may continue to react negatively even when he stops suffering pain, simply because of the memory. Especially if he is aggressive, we recommend you get your dog used to the muzzle in order to go to the veterinary center. We should work on this exercise a few weeks before going, so that it is not perceived in a negative way.
What to do when a dog won't let you touch?
We will start by identifying the dog's calm signals, that is, interpreting the body language of our best friend. In general, we will avoid contact with him when he turns his head, turns his back on us or licks his lips nervously, nor will we caress him if he seems paralyzed, adopts fearful postures (ears back, tail between legs and defensive attitude). We must understand that he speaks to us all the time, so we have to learn to interpret him and respect him. We must also avoid jumping on the dog (leaning over it), cornering it or staring at it defiantly.
On the contrary, we should try to get our dog to approach us, always without forcing him, through prizes, toys and using a high-pitched and very sweet voice. Then we will reward the rapprochement with tasty treats (for example, with little pieces of frankfurter without s alt) or with whatever you like best. The idea of this process is to try to make him open up to us little by little and seek physical contact for himself.
This is a process that can take a few weeks, even months, but there will be specific cases in which a dog will take much longer to show some kind of approach. We must be patient and continue reinforcing and facilitating every step our dog takes towards us. Do not forget that if you later punish him for any reason and inappropriately, especially when you are close, your dog may become afraid again and the process you have done so far will not help. You should try to create a strong bond with your dog that will not break, under any circumstances.
Once your dog begins to approach or let himself be touched by some parts of the body, do not be startled and be invasive, you should try to carry out a progressive processand that the dog can "wait", for example, you can start by touching the cheeks or the body and work your way to the end of the body, always little by little.
Throughout this process we will make sure that our dog does not suffer any experience that could ruin the process, such as a child pulling his tail or a stranger trying to pet him where he does not must. We must be faster and quickly avoid these situations with a "please don't come near me, my dog bites", even if it is not true.
Wellness and Enrichment
At the same time that we promote the dog's approach and handling, we must provide our dog with some extra care that will help us advance in this processThese are basic tips, but sometimes we can overlook them:
- Create a marked routine of walks and meals, always at the same time, that helps the dog to gain predictability and to have more trust us.
- Offer him quality walks, allowing him to sniff all kinds of plants and urine (don't worry, if he has followed the vaccination schedule does not have to get sick), as well as allowing him to interact with other dogs if possible.
- Practice exercise with your dog, for example doing a short improvised agility course in the park or going to the beach or the mountain to burn energy.
- Create a safe zone for your dog, that is, a "nest" in which it can take refuge whenever it wants. It must be far from any transit area and can be a simple cardboard box. In that place your dog should never be disturbed.
- Teach your dog exercises, even if they are basic obedience. Learning different commands through positive reinforcement will be very good to improve your bond.
- Stimulate him mentally through toys such as the kong or interactive toys that enhance the dog's exploratory behavior.
- Offer him a lot of affection and take care of him, even if you can't touch him, he will understand.
My dog still won't let himself be touched
If, despite following the advice we have given you above, your dog still won't let itself be handled, it's time to Go to a specialist: canine educator, ethologist or trainer, always positive.
The chosen specialist will help us work Controlled behavior modification sessions so that our dog learns to positively relate to people and physical contact.
