Does My Dog Hate Me Quiz

Dogs communicate their feelings through body language and behavior. When your furry friend seems distant or upset, it is natural to wonder if something is wrong in your relationship. Many owners worry their pets might dislike them when they notice avoidance behaviors, selective listening, or a preference for other family members.

For comprehensive resources, visit the American Kennel Club (AKC). You can also find training videos on the AKC Official YouTube Channel or explore canine art and history at the AKC Museum of the Dog.

Learn more about your dog’s unique love language in this AKC guide. For additional insights, try the dog love language quiz on SpotOn Fence.

This quiz helps identify potential negative feelings in your dog and provides expert-backed strategies to rebuild trust and strengthen your connection. Using research from animal behaviorists, we will help you understand what your dog’s behaviors mean and how to address them effectively.

Take the Quiz: 15 Signs Your Dog Might Have Negative Feelings

Rate each behavior on its frequency (0-3):

0 = Never occurs
1 = Rarely occurs (once a month or less)
2 = Sometimes occurs (weekly)
3 = Frequently occurs (daily or multiple times per week)

Sign	Description	Your Score (0-3)
1. Avoids Eye Contact	Dog looks away when you try to make eye contact
2. Hides or Isolates	Retreats when you approach or enter the room
3. Shows Flattened Ears/Cowering	Displays anxious body language around you
4. Ignores Commands Selectively	Follows others’ commands but not yours
5. Refuses Treats from Your Hand	Will not take food from you but accepts from others
6. Won’t Share Toys	Does not bring toys to you or share possessions
7. Destroys Your Belongings	Targets your personal items for destruction
8. Eliminates on Your Belongings	Urinates/defecates specifically on your items
9. Shows Reactivity Around You	Growls, snaps, or shows aggression toward you
10. Prefers Other Family Members	Consistently chooses others over you
11. Shows Submissive Gestures	Displays calming signals in your presence
12. Seems Anxious Around You	Shows stress signals specifically with you
13. Moves Away When Approached	Creates distance when you try to interact
14. Reluctant During Handling	Resists grooming/care from you but not others
15. Lacks Enthusiasm With You	Shows reduced excitement for activities with you
TOTAL SCORE:

1. Avoids Eye Contact with You

Dogs typically make brief eye contact with people they trust. Consistent avoidance indicates discomfort or mistrust, as dogs view prolonged eye contact as threatening [1]. Rate how often your dog looks away when you try to make eye contact.

2. Hides or Isolates When You’re Around

A dog who retreats behind furniture, leaves the room when you enter, or stays distant specifically from you is showing clear avoidance. Rate how often your dog hides when you approach.

3. Shows Flattened Ears and Cowering Posture

When a dog flattens their ears against their head, lowers their body, and moves with slinking movements around you, they are expressing anxiety. Rate how frequently you observe these postures during your interactions.

4. Ignores Your Commands Selectively

Dogs who previously followed directions but now ignore commands from you while responding to others are communicating relationship issues. Rate your dog’s obedience level compared to their responses to other family members.

5. Refuses Treats from Your Hand

A dog that will not accept food from you but readily takes it from others is displaying a trust issue. Rate how often your dog refuses treats from you while accepting them from others.

6. Won’t Share Toys or Bring Items to You

Dogs naturally bring toys or prized possessions to humans they trust. Rate how your dog’s toy-sharing behavior with you compares to their behavior with others.

7. Destroys Your Personal Belongings

Targeted destruction of items carrying your scent (shoes, clothing) differs from general destructive behavior and can indicate relationship problems [2]. Rate how often your dog specifically targets your possessions.

8. Eliminates on Your Belongings

Inappropriate elimination specifically on your clothing or belongings is distinct from general house-training issues and may indicate targeted communication [2]. Rate incidents of elimination specifically on your items.

9. Shows Increased Reactivity Around You

Growling, snapping, or aggressive posturing directed specifically at you signals serious relationship concerns. Rate the frequency of reactive behaviors during your interactions.

10. Prefers Other Family Members Obviously

When a dog consistently greets others first, seeks affection from others, or chooses to sit with others instead of you, they are showing a preference. Rate the degree of preference shown to others over you.

11. Displays Submissive Appeasement Gestures

Head turning, lip licking, yawning, and avoiding your gaze are calming signals dogs use to de-escalate perceived tension [1]. Rate how often your dog shows these behaviors specifically in your presence.

12. Seems Anxious or Stressed Around You

Signs like excessive panting without exercise, whining, or shaking that occur specifically when you are present indicate stress. Rate how often these stress signals appear during your interactions.

13. Moves Away When You Approach

A dog that consistently creates distance when you try to interact or pet them is communicating discomfort. Rate how often your dog moves away when you initiate contact.

14. Shows Reluctance During Handling

Resistance to grooming, nail trimming, or medical care from you while accepting it from others suggests trust issues. Rate your dog’s handling acceptance with you versus others.

15. Lacks Enthusiasm for Activities with You

Reduced excitement for walks, playtime, or training with you compared to their general energy level signals relationship concerns. Rate your dog’s enthusiasm level for shared activities.

Quiz Scoring and Results

Score Range	Relationship Status	Description
0-10 points	Strong Bond	Your dog shows minimal concerning behaviors. Continue maintaining trust through positive reinforcement and quality time together.
11-25 points	Relationship Needs Work	Some trust issues exist. Implement the expert tips below to improve your connection.
26-45 points	Significant Relationship Issues	Your dog shows multiple signs of distress or negative associations with you. Consider consulting a professional dog behaviorist while implementing the strategies below.

Important Note: These scores are a starting point, not a final diagnosis. Without specific scientific studies to confirm them, these categories are best used as general guides to help you identify areas for improvement in your relationship.

Understanding the Quiz Framework

The Science Behind C-BARQ

This quiz draws from principles established by the Canine Behavioral Assessment & Research Questionnaire (C-BARQ), developed by Yuying Hsu and James Serpell in 2003. C-BARQ is a standardized, owner-completed survey used for assessing behavioral problems and temperament traits in dogs.

Key Features of C-BARQ:

Contains 100 items investigating 14 behavioral domains
Assesses aggression types, fear/anxiety, trainability, excitability, and attachment
Widely adopted in scientific research and diagnostic evaluations
Available in multiple languages and used across different breeds
Foundation for derivative assessments targeting similar behavioral dimensions

Medical and Environmental Causes to Consider

Before concluding your dog has negative feelings toward you, consider these alternative explanations for behavioral changes:

Physical Health Conditions

Pain and Discomfort:

Arthritis, dental disease, or injuries causing irritability or withdrawal
Joint and spinal issues leading to touch resistance
General discomfort making dogs less social

Sensory Decline:

Vision or hearing loss reducing responsiveness
Increased startle reactions due to sensory impairment
Fearfulness from inability to perceive the environment clearly

Neurological and Hormonal Issues:

Seizures, brain tumors, or vestibular disease causing behavior changes
Hypothyroidism, Addison’s disease, or Cushing’s syndrome affecting mood
Diabetes leading to lethargy or irritability

Other Medical Concerns:

Urinary or gastrointestinal problems causing inappropriate elimination
Allergies and skin conditions increasing reactivity
Systemic illness affecting energy and social behavior

Environmental Stressors

Household changes (moving, new pets, schedule modifications)
Environmental factors (loud noises, construction, unfamiliar surroundings)
Generalized anxiety from various sources
Cognitive dysfunction syndrome in senior dogs

Recommendation: Always consult a veterinarian to rule out medical causes before attributing behavioral changes to relationship issues.

Expert Tips to Rebuild Your Bond

Start with Basic Trust Building

Establish consistent, predictable interactions.
Approach your dog calmly from the side rather than head-on.
Let your dog initiate contact when possible.
Keep interactions positive and brief initially.

Use Positive Reinforcement Training

Reward desired behaviors with treats, praise, or play.
Time rewards immediately after good behavior.
Avoid punishment-based techniques that damage trust.
Focus on short, successful training sessions that build confidence.

Create Positive Associations

For Dogs That Hide When You Enter:

Maintain a calm demeanor, avoiding loud noises or sudden movements.
Establish a designated “safe zone” with a familiar blanket and toys.
Gently toss high-value treats toward the hiding spot without forcing interaction.
Quietly praise and reward when the dog ventures out or approaches.
Gradually increase proximity over multiple sessions, consistently rewarding calm or curious behavior.

Gradual Exposure for Nail Trimming Fears:

Week 1: Handle paws regularly without tools, rewarding calmness with treats.
Week 2: Allow the dog to see and sniff clippers, rewarding calm behavior.
Week 3: Practice creating sounds (clicking clippers) while offering treats for relaxation.
Week 4: Simulate holding the paw and touching clippers to the nail without trimming.
Week 5: Trim only one nail per session, reward generously, then stop.
Ongoing: Gradually increase the number of nails trimmed as comfort improves.

Improve Your Body Language

Avoid direct staring, which dogs find threatening.
Keep your posture relaxed and non-threatening.
Turn slightly sideways when approaching.
Speak in a calm, gentle voice.
Watch for and respect your dog’s discomfort signals.

Establish Consistent Routines

Feed at regular times.
Maintain predictable walk and exercise schedules.
Set regular training and play sessions.
Create a structure that helps your dog feel secure.

Finding Professional Help

Certified Positive Reinforcement Trainers

Look for these reputable certifications:

Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT):

CPDT-KA (Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed)
CPDT-KSA (Knowledge and Skills Assessed)
CBCC-KA (Certified Behavior Consultant Canine)

International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC):

CDBC (Certified Dog Behavior Consultant)

Karen Pryor Academy (KPA):

KPA CTP (Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner)

Veterinary Behaviorists

American College of Veterinary Behaviorists (ACVB):

DACVB (Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists)
Only veterinarians with DACVB credentials have completed specialized medical and behavior training.

Verification Process

Search official organization directories online.
Verify active credential status on organization websites.
Confirm proper abbreviations after the professional’s name.
Check state directories for board-certified veterinary behaviorists.

Why These Signs Matter: The Science Behind Dog Emotions

Research demonstrates clear connections between owner behavior, training approaches, and dog emotional responses. Studies reveal that dogs with negative feelings toward owners show measurable physiological responses, including elevated cortisol levels and decreased heart rate variability during interactions [3].

Dogs who experience primarily negative interactions with specific people develop avoidance behaviors and stress responses that closely mirror those seen in humans with relationship anxiety [4][5].

Red Flags: When Professional Help Is Essential

Seek immediate professional help if your dog:

Shows aggressive behavior that is escalating
Demonstrates extreme fear responses (shaking, hiding for hours)
Has started growling, snapping, or biting
Shows signs of past trauma or abuse
Has sudden behavioral changes that might indicate medical issues
Exhibits concerning behaviors that have not improved after 2-3 weeks of implementing strategies

Building Long-Term Success

Maintaining improvements requires consistency. Continue positive reinforcement training throughout your dog’s life, regularly assess your relationship’s health, and prevent issues by maintaining consistent positive interactions.

Remember that your dog’s trust is earned through reliable, positive experiences over time. Each positive interaction builds your emotional bank account with your dog, creating a buffer for occasional mistakes or misunderstandings.

Final Thoughts

Most dog-owner relationship issues can be resolved with patience, proper techniques, and an understanding of canine behavior. Taking this quiz is the first step toward building a stronger, more trusting relationship with your dog. Dogs are social animals that want a connection with their people. With consistent effort and the right approach, you can transform your relationship into one of mutual trust and enjoyment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you tell if your dog doesn’t like you?

Yes, dogs communicate their feelings through body language and behavior. Signs like avoiding your presence, refusing treats from you, showing stress signals when you approach, and preferring other people’s company can indicate negative feelings [1][2].

What causes a dog to dislike a person?

Dogs may develop negative associations with people due to past negative experiences, harsh training methods, unpredictable behavior, loud voices, threatening body language, or inconsistent care. Sometimes medical issues causing pain can also create negative associations.

Why does my dog not seem to like me anymore?

Sudden changes could stem from recent negative experiences, changes in your behavior or routine, undiagnosed pain, changes in your scent, or developmental changes in adolescent dogs. Consider recent events and consult a veterinarian to rule out medical causes [2].

How do I test if my dog loves me?

Look for signs of positive attachment like seeking proximity to you, calm behavior in your presence, enthusiastic greetings, checking in with you during activities, relaxed body language around you, and recovery from stress when you comfort them.
For a fun related quiz on your relationship with your dog, try the Are You Obsessed With Your Dog? Quiz.

References:
[1] https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/canine-communication—interpreting-dog-language
[2] https://k9basics.com/how-do-you-know-if-your-dog-doesnt-like-you/
[3] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10944520/
[4] https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-023-41849-0
[5] https://www.dvm360.com/view/is-bad-behavior-in-dogs-linked-to-owner-personality