Dogs are excellent judges of character, often picking up on subtle cues humans might miss. If your dog seems uneasy around a particular person, it may be a sign of distrust. Here are 10 behaviors that could indicate your pup isn’t feeling safe.
Avoids Eye Contact or Turns Away
A dog that avoids looking at someone or turns its body away is showing discomfort. This is a subtle but clear signal that your pup is trying to disengage. It’s a polite canine way of saying, “I don’t feel safe near this person.”
Growling or Low Rumbling
Growling doesn’t always mean aggression—it can also be a warning. If your dog growls softly or emits a low rumble when someone approaches, it’s a sign of discomfort. Your dog is signaling that they feel threatened or uneasy about that individual.
Refuses Treats or Pets
If your typically food-loving dog refuses treats or pulls away from someone’s hand, take note. A dog that doesn’t accept affection or snacks from a person may be expressing a lack of trust and a desire to avoid further interaction with them.
Excessive Barking
Dogs bark for many reasons, but repeated, intense barking directed at one person may point to fear or distrust. If your dog becomes vocal only around a specific individual, they may be alerting you to something that doesn’t sit right with them.
Hiding or Seeking Distance
A dog that tries to hide behind furniture or behind you is clearly signaling that they’re uncomfortable. If your dog consistently keeps their distance or physically avoids someone, it’s a strong indicator that trust hasn’t been established.
Raised Hackles or Tense Posture
Raised fur along the back or neck—known as raised hackles—can signal fear or defensiveness. A stiff body, rigid tail, or frozen stance in someone’s presence suggests your dog feels threatened. These physical changes reflect serious unease and a lack of trust.
Refusing to Approach
A friendly dog usually wants to investigate new people. If your dog won’t go near someone despite being encouraged, it’s a red flag. Refusal to approach, even with coaxing, means your dog isn’t comfortable enough to initiate contact or explore.
Excessive Yawning or Lip Licking
Yawning, lip licking, and turning the head away are subtle signs of stress in dogs. If your dog exhibits these behaviors around a particular person, they may be trying to self-soothe and signal that the person is making them anxious or uncomfortable.
Unusual Clinginess to You
If your dog becomes extra clingy or tries to put themselves between you and another person, they may be guarding you. This protective behavior often emerges when dogs perceive a threat or feel uneasy about someone’s presence.
Sudden Changes in Behavior
Dogs are creatures of habit. If your dog acts drastically different—becoming fearful, withdrawn, or reactive—only around one person, take it seriously. A sudden shift in behavior is a strong indicator that your dog senses something off and doesn’t trust that individual.
- Please Note: This content was created with the assistance of AI and thoroughly edited by a human before publishing.
