We all want to be our dog’s best friend—their safe space, their protector, their favorite person in the whole wide world. But sometimes, even with the best intentions, our behavior might come off as a little overwhelming for our furry companions.
Dogs are sensitive creatures. They read our tone, our body language, and even our facial expressions. If something we do consistently makes them feel unsure or anxious, they might start to feel a bit intimidated—even if we don’t mean to come across that way.
If your dog seems a little hesitant around you at times, here are 10 subtle (and not-so-subtle) signs that they might be feeling intimidated.
Contents
- 1 1. They Cower or Shrink Away From You
- 2 2. They Avoid Eye Contact
- 3 3. They Flinch When You Move
- 4 4. They Lick Their Lips or Yawn Excessively (When They’re Not Tired or Hungry)
- 5 5. They Roll Onto Their Back in Submission (Not For Belly Rubs)
- 6 6. They Hide or Retreat to Another Room
- 7 7. They Don’t Want to Be Touched or Picked Up
- 8 8. They Pee When You Approach (Submissive Urination)
- 9 9. They Freeze or Go Stiff When You’re Near
- 10 10. They Refuse to Take Treats From You
- 11 Why This Happens—and What You Can Do About It
- 12 Read Next: 10 Signs Your Dog Considers You to be its Best Friend
- 13 Read Next: 10 Myths About Dogs Your Should Stop Believing
- 14 Read Next: 10 Things Your Dog Will Never Forgive
1. They Cower or Shrink Away From You
One of the clearest signs your dog is intimidated is when they shrink their body away from you—tail tucked, ears down, maybe even backing into a corner. This kind of body language says, “I’m unsure about what’s happening, and I’d really like to be invisible right now.”
This reaction can happen if you’ve raised your voice, made a sudden movement, or even just approached them too quickly. It’s not about blame—it’s about recognizing that your pup might be feeling uneasy and needs a gentler touch.
2. They Avoid Eye Contact
Dogs don’t always use eye contact the same way we do. In the canine world, direct eye contact can be seen as a challenge or threat. If your dog consistently avoids your gaze, turns their head away, or blinks rapidly when you look at them, they may be trying to show submission or discomfort.
This doesn’t mean your dog doesn’t love you—it just means they might feel nervous when things feel intense. Soften your gaze, lower your voice, and let them know they’re safe.
3. They Flinch When You Move
A dog who flinches when you reach for them or move suddenly is showing a fear response. This can be particularly common in rescue dogs or pups with a history of mistreatment, but it can also happen if your dog has simply had a few negative experiences (like loud noises, scolding, or being startled).
Flinching is their way of bracing for what they think is coming next. If this sounds like your dog, building trust slowly with gentle handling and positive reinforcement is key.
4. They Lick Their Lips or Yawn Excessively (When They’re Not Tired or Hungry)
Lip licking and yawning aren’t always about food or fatigue. In fact, these are classic signs of stress in dogs. If your dog starts licking their lips, yawning repeatedly, or even panting heavily when you’re interacting with them, they might be trying to self-soothe.
It’s like your dog is saying, “I’m not sure about this situation. Can we please slow down?” These subtle signals are easy to miss, but once you spot them, you can start adjusting your behavior to help your pup feel more comfortable.
5. They Roll Onto Their Back in Submission (Not For Belly Rubs)
We all love a good belly rub moment—but not all exposed bellies are an invitation. If your dog rolls onto their back with stiff legs, avoids eye contact, and seems frozen rather than relaxed, they’re likely showing submission, not playfulness.
This posture is a dog’s way of saying, “I don’t want any trouble.” If you see this in response to your voice or presence, it’s a sign they’re intimidated, and it’s time to turn down the intensity and build more trust through calm, positive interactions.
6. They Hide or Retreat to Another Room
Does your dog suddenly disappear when you enter the room? Do they slink away when you approach or run to hide behind the furniture? Dogs that feel intimidated may physically remove themselves from your presence to avoid stress or conflict.
If this happens regularly, it’s a red flag that your dog doesn’t feel entirely safe. Creating positive associations with your presence—treats, playtime, soft words—can help them realize you’re not someone to be feared.
7. They Don’t Want to Be Touched or Picked Up
Some dogs just aren’t naturally cuddly, and that’s okay. But if your dog stiffens, squirms, or actively pulls away when you reach out to pet or pick them up, it could be a sign they’re feeling uneasy around you. Watch for tense body language, a lowered tail, or quick head turns—these are all signs of discomfort.
Respecting their boundaries, offering treats during positive interactions, and letting them come to you on their terms can help rebuild that trust.
8. They Pee When You Approach (Submissive Urination)
This one’s awkward, but it happens—especially in young dogs or those with anxious personalities. If your pup pees a little when you greet them, it may not be an accident. It’s called submissive urination, and it’s your dog’s way of saying, “Please don’t be mad at me—I’m no threat!”
This is especially common if greetings are loud, fast, or full of energy. Try keeping arrivals calm and low-key, and always avoid scolding (even if you’re mopping the floor again).
9. They Freeze or Go Stiff When You’re Near
A dog that suddenly “freezes” or stiffens up when you’re around isn’t being still for fun—they’re often feeling stressed. This could look like a rigid tail, locked joints, or a tense jaw. It’s your dog’s version of a deer in headlights.
This response shows that your presence is overwhelming in that moment. Giving them space, speaking gently, and avoiding direct pressure can help soften their response over time.
10. They Refuse to Take Treats From You
If there’s one thing most dogs can’t resist, it’s treats. So if your dog refuses food from your hand—especially when they’re not sick—it could mean they’re too nervous or intimidated to eat in your presence.
Dogs that are overly stressed will often ignore even their favorite snacks. This is a powerful indicator that they’re not feeling safe. It’s time to slow things down and rebuild positive associations. Let them come to you at their own pace, and reward any brave steps they take.
Why This Happens—and What You Can Do About It
It can be heartbreaking to think your dog might be afraid of you, but it’s not the end of the world. Dogs are incredibly forgiving and eager to connect—especially when we meet them halfway.
Dogs can feel intimidated for many reasons:
- Loud or unpredictable environments
- Negative reinforcement (yelling, scolding, punishment)
- Past trauma or bad experiences with humans
- Lack of socialization or confidence
The good news? You can help your dog feel safer and more secure around you. Here’s how:
- Use positive reinforcement. Reward good behavior with treats, toys, and praise.
- Stay calm and predictable. Keep your movements slow, your voice soft, and your energy steady.
- Respect their space. Let your dog come to you, and don’t force interactions.
- Create a safe haven. Provide a cozy bed or crate where your dog can retreat when they need space.
- Be patient. Building trust takes time—but every small step forward is a win.
Read Next: 10 Signs Your Dog Considers You to be its Best Friend
Are you wondering if your furry friend sees you as more than just a provider of food and belly rubs?
As social creatures, dogs form strong bonds with their human companions. And they have unique ways of telling you ILY.
Want to know if you’ve hit BFF status with your pup? Below are 10 signs your dog considers you its best friend!
10 Signs Your Dog Considers You to be its Best Friend
Read Next: 10 Myths About Dogs Your Should Stop Believing
Dog owners know what it’s like to be constantly bombarded with advice, tips, and stories from fellow pet parents.
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Over the years, I’ve heard countless myths about dogs—some that even I believed until I dug deeper.
Understanding what’s true and what’s simply misinformation can make all the difference in how we care for our dogs.
In this article, I’ll debunk 10 common myths about dogs that you should stop believing right now.
10 Myths about Dogs You Should Stop Believing
Read Next: 10 Things Your Dog Will Never Forgive
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Amanda O’Brien is the owner of The Dog Snobs website. She is dog mad and dog aunt to Clover in London and Poppy in Sydney. She can’t wait to have a schedule that allows her to have a dog of her own (for now it is two Siberian cats) and loves learning about dog breeds and dog behavior.