Dogs are social animals that sniff each other's butts to get to know each other and socialize. However, many dogs crouch down, tuck their tails between their legs, and even run away when another tries to sniff them out.
This may be due to socialization problems or some trauma that has caused the dog to lack self-esteem and feel insecure around other furry dogs.
If your dog doesn't allow himself to be sniffed by other dogs, don't despair, it is not a strange situation and it happens to many, however, if it is a negative and stressful attitude that can reduce happiness and well-being of your furry friend. Keep reading this article on our site to find out why your dog won't let other dogs sniff you and what you can do about it.
Causes of fear
If your dog doesn't allow himself to be sniffed by other dogs, it could be, as we have already mentioned, because he is afraid. To help you improve we will try to identify the cause of the fear:
- Fear due to lack of socialization: Your dog may not allow himself to be sniffed by other dogs because he has not been properly socialized since he was a puppy and he is not used to contact with other animals.
- Fear due to trauma: Dogs that have had bad experiences with other dogs may become fearful and fear contact with other dogs, although they are not aggressive, so they do not let themselves be sniffed.
Treat the problem
We don't have to get impatient if our dog doesn't let himself be sniffed by other dogs, it's a self-esteem problem and can be solved with patience and lots of love.
You can ask a friend who has a calm dog to help you start exercising with the two furry ones. Introduce the other dog little by littleand go for a walk together to get him used to her presence. When he is relaxed next to the other dog or playing with him, reward him Little by little he will get used to it and begin to feel confident until he lets himself be sniffed.
What not to do
- Under no circumstances can we lose patience and yell at the dog or get angry with him if he doesn't move forward and doesn't let himself be sniffed by other dogs. If his problem is fear, this will only make it worse.
- You have to let him advance at his own pace, we will never force him to socialize with other dogs if he doesn't feel safe and we won't push him for them to smell it. This is something that should arise spontaneously and on the dog's initiative.
- Your furry can get overwhelmed if there are many dogs around him trying to smell him, so It is preferable that you don't take him to dog parksat times when there are more dogs, otherwise you may suffer from anxiety and the problem will worsen.
- When your dog gets scared and sticks his tail between his legs when someone else is about to sniff him don't pet him or give him affection,even if I looked for you. This only reinforces his fearful attitude, since he will associate that you are rewarding that behavior.
Request help from a professional
If the situation does not improve and your dog does not allow himself to be sniffed by other dogs, even after trying to socialize him with other trusted dogs, you will need the help of an ethologist. A professional will be able to find the key to the problem and will be the best person to help you overcome your fear.
In addition, a canine educator or an ethologist will not only help the dog, but will give you the necessary guidelines so that you continue working on boost the animal's self-esteem on your own. In this way, you will ensure that your dog lives a happy, balanced and relaxed life.
