[dogsaremylife]

Have you ever had one of those moments at the dog park where your dog suddenly locks eyes with another, and you can feel the tension in the air? That just happened with my Charlie the other day. He’s usually a sweet guy, all tail wags and play bows, but as soon as this one dog came near, he stiffened up, ears flat, and the fun vibes were gone. It was like something just clicked in his head that he wasn’t a fan. I couldn’t help but wonder what caused that instant tension. Has your dog ever had one of those “I don’t like you” moments with another dog? If so, how did you handle it? I’m trying to figure out how to help Charlie feel more at ease with other dogs. Do you have any tips for breaking that standoffish vibe?

[Emma Braby]

Yes, dogs can definitely have those “I don’t like you” moments, just like people. Instant tension between dogs is often due to subtle body language cues, past experiences, or even an unspoken energy mismatch. Some dogs react negatively to certain body postures, scents, or even the way another dog approaches.
Charlie’s stiffened posture and flattened ears suggest discomfort, possibly signaling that he felt threatened or unsure. To help him feel more at ease, try controlled socialization with calm, well-mannered dogs, rewarding positive interactions with tasty treats and praise. Avoid forcing interactions and give him space to observe before engaging. Redirecting his focus with training cues like “watch me” or moving him away from tense situations can also help. If this behavior happens frequently, structured training sessions or working with a behaviorist might offer deeper insight.
Sometimes, dogs just don’t vibe with certain others, and that’s okay. My dog, Bonkers, does this too, and it is unpredictable. But, helping Charlie build confidence and reading his comfort levels will make dog park trips smoother.

[Author]

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