15 Subtle Ways Your Dog Is Trying To Say They Don’t Like Someone

Shutterstock

Dogs have unique personalities, so not all will react the same way to each person. However, by understanding subtle signs and observing their body language, you can tell when they’re not fond of someone. Like people, dogs have boundaries, and sometimes they’re too polite or intimidated to speak up. Pay close attention to their cues, and remember—though they can’t verbally express their feelings, their body language often speaks louder than any bark or growl. Understanding these signs helps ensure your dog feels safe and comfortable.

Stiff Body Language

Shutterstock

One of the most telling signs that your dog may not like someone is when they display stiff or tense body language. This is often the dog’s way of expressing discomfort or unease. A dog’s body language can tell you a lot about their emotional state. When a dog’s muscles become rigid, it suggests they feel threatened or anxious, especially around new people.

Avoidance Behavior

Shutterstock

If your dog is actively trying to avoid someone, it’s a clear indication they might not be a fan. This can be observed when your dog moves away from a particular person or hides behind furniture. Dogs don’t always feel comfortable expressing dislike directly, but avoidance is a subtle way for them to communicate. If they prefer staying in a different area of the house or behind you, it’s a sign they might be trying to distance themselves from that individual.

Growling or Whining

Shutterstock

Growling is a classic sign of discomfort in dogs, and while it’s often associated with aggression, it can also signal unease. If your dog growls or whines when a particular person enters the room or approaches them, it’s their way of saying, “I’m not comfortable with this situation.” Whining can indicate that they’re anxious or frustrated, especially if they’re unable to escape the situation. Growling can escalate into barking or even snapping if the discomfort is not addressed.

Ears Pinned Back

Shutterstock

When a dog’s ears are pinned back against their head, it’s usually a sign that they are frightened, anxious, or uncomfortable. This gesture is often accompanied by a lowered posture, where the dog appears smaller or more submissive. Ears that are not standing tall or perked up indicate that the dog does not feel at ease in their surroundings. This behavior might be subtle but can be very telling when trying to assess your dog’s comfort level with certain people.

Tail Between the Legs

Shutterstock

A dog’s tail can be a great indicator of their emotional state. If your dog walks around with their tail between their legs, it usually signifies that they are feeling fearful, anxious, or submissive. This behavior often happens when a dog feels intimidated or uncertain about a situation. While a tucked tail is commonly associated with fear, it can also be a sign of discomfort when around a specific person or situation.

Baring Teeth

Shutterstock

Although bared teeth are often seen as a sign of aggression, it can also indicate that a dog is trying to communicate discomfort or fear. If your dog bares their teeth when a certain person is near, it may be feeling threatened and is trying to protect itself. This can be a defensive behavior that escalates if not addressed. It’s important to look for other body language signals, such as a stiff body or raised hackles, to assess the dog’s discomfort level.

Sniffing Excessively

Shutterstock

Dogs are naturally curious and often sniff everything in their environment, but if your dog begins sniffing excessively around a particular person, it might signal that they are uncomfortable. Dogs use their sense of smell to gather information, and if they’re sniffing a person’s clothes or scent more than usual, it could be a sign they are trying to assess whether that person is a threat. While sniffing is a normal behavior, excessive sniffing can indicate that your dog is trying to establish boundaries.

Licking Their Lips

Shutterstock

Licking their lips can be a dog’s way of showing anxiety or discomfort, and it can happen when they feel unsure about a situation or person. If your dog starts licking their lips excessively when a certain individual is nearby, it’s a sign they may be feeling stressed. This behavior is often paired with other signs of discomfort, such as avoiding eye contact or cowering. Dogs may lick their lips to self-soothe or to try and communicate that they’re uneasy.

Rigid Posture

Shutterstock

A rigid posture is another subtle sign that your dog may not like someone. This posture can be seen when the dog stands very still, with their body held tightly and their muscles tense. This behavior often occurs when the dog is feeling unsure or threatened, as they prepare themselves to either fight or flee. A rigid posture can be accompanied by other signs of discomfort, such as a lowered head or slow movements, indicating your dog is not at ease.

Excessive Barking

Shutterstock

Barking is a common way for dogs to communicate, and when a dog barks excessively at a certain person, it’s often a sign that they feel threatened or uncomfortable. Dogs may bark to establish boundaries, express discomfort, or get attention. If your dog becomes loud and vocal every time a specific person comes around, they may be trying to express their dislike. Excessive barking, especially if paired with other signs like growling or a stiff body, clearly signals that your dog may not be fond of that individual.

Seeking Constant Protection

Shutterstock

If your dog consistently seeks protection from you or hides behind you when a specific person is around, it’s a subtle sign that they may feel unsafe or uncomfortable with them. Dogs that are seeking protection are trying to distance themselves from the person they don’t trust. This behavior shows that they don’t feel comfortable standing up to the individual on their own and are looking for reassurance from their owner. If this happens frequently when a particular person is present, it’s important to consider whether there’s something about that person making your dog anxious.

Pacing or Restlessness

Shutterstock

When a dog starts pacing or becomes overly restless, it’s often a sign that they are feeling anxious. If this behavior occurs when a particular person is nearby, your dog may be expressing discomfort or disliking their presence. Pacing can indicate a high level of anxiety, and your dog might be trying to figure out how to handle the situation. Restlessness is another subtle way that dogs communicate they are not comfortable, as they may struggle to settle down when someone they’re unsure about is around.

Shutterstock

While dogs often make eye contact as a way to bond with their owners, they may avoid direct eye contact with people they don’t like or feel threatened by. Eye contact avoidance is a subtle but telling sign of discomfort. If your dog deliberately looks away when a certain person tries to engage with them, it’s their way of signaling that they don’t feel comfortable with that individual. This can also be accompanied by other signs of avoidance, such as backing away or retreating to a different area of the house.

Scratching or Itching Excessively

Shutterstock

Excessive scratching or itching can be an indication that your dog is stressed or anxious. If your dog begins scratching or itching when a specific person is nearby, it could mean they’re experiencing some level of discomfort or unease. This behavior might be their way of self-soothing or trying to cope with a stressful situation. The presence of certain people can trigger these responses, showing that your dog is not relaxed in their company.

Refusing to Accept Treats or Petting

Shutterstock

If your dog refuses to accept treats or petting from a certain person, it’s another subtle sign that they may not like them. Dogs often see treats as a form of bonding and affection. If your dog turns down a treat or avoids being petted by someone, it suggests they are not comfortable around that person. This behavior is often paired with other signs of avoidance, such as turning their head or walking away.

The Silent Complaints Of Your Dog’s Heart

MidJourney

Dogs have unique personalities, so not all will react the same way to each person. However, by understanding subtle signs and observing their body language, you can tell when they’re not fond of someone. Like people, dogs have boundaries, and sometimes they’re too polite or intimidated to speak up. Pay close attention to their cues, and remember—though they can’t verbally express their feelings, their body language often speaks louder than any bark or growl. Understanding these signs helps ensure your dog feels safe and comfortable in any situation.