Dogs are always alert, especially when it comes to meeting new people. With their incredible sense of smell, it’s impossible to know just how they perceive the world around them and what additional information they get from people.
Barking may indicate defensiveness, anxiety, aggression or even just excitement, and reactions often vary depending on who your dog meets. So, why does your dog have different reactions to people?
Why do dogs bark at certain people?
Dogs may bark at certain people because of a particular look, smell or past experience. It could also be that your dog finds the person’s body language or tone of voice to be threatening. But barking doesn’t always mean something negative. It could be because the dog is excited to see the person. After all, our canine companions have great memories, and they often remember who rewarded them in the past with treats, playtime or attention.
There are different causes as to why a dog may bark, with genetics also thought to play a role:
Mistreatment or a past memory
The specific person may have mistreated the dog or look, sound or act similarly to someone who mistreated them in the past. Your dog may show their teeth, pull their lips back, stiffen their tail, or simply try to avoid the person.
Excitement
The person is someone your dog knows well or has had contact with in the past, and they get excited when they see them. Your dog may show their excitement by wagging their tail or trying to lick.
The person seems threatening
While they may be harmless, it could be that your dog doesn’t like the person's body language or considers them as threatening. Certain physical features can also influence your dog's reaction. Hats, a deep voice, facial hair and strong smells such as perfume may all contribute to certain reactions.
Equally, the person may give intense eye contact which can be unsettling for anxious and nervous pets.
Territorial behaviour
Some dogs can be particularly protective of their home or favourite person. If a dog feels the stranger is too close, they may try to move them away from the area.
Why does my dog growl at only one person?
If your dog growls at one specific person, this is quite normal canine behaviour. It could be because the person reminds your dog of someone who mistreated them in the past. It could also be the way they interact with your dog or even how they feel about your dog, which your pup has picked up on. It could be the shampoo or deodorant the person uses, the food they eat, the perfume or aftershave they wear or even if the person is afraid of your dog. It could be many different things.
Why do dogs bark at me?
Dogs may bark at you for several reasons, including fear, excitement or to seek attention.
A dog may bark at you because they also want food, or to go for a walk or to play. Many dogs will bark because they simply want to share a positive experience, not to be aggressive. If the dog is jumping in anticipation, wagging their tail or showing signs that they're happy, their barking is likely to be an extension of how they are feeling.
Alternatively, it may be that a dog barks at you because they're frightened. This is particularly common with rescue dogs, who may lack socialisation, or have experienced some form of trauma in the past. If you suspect a dog is nervous and insecure, it's best to avoid eye contact altogether, letting the dog approach you when they feel ready.
Why don’t dogs bark at some people?
If there are some people who your dog never barks at it could that your dog doesn’t view them as a threat, but they aren't a source of excitement either. That’s not to say your dog doesn’t like the person; they just don’t get over-excited in their presence.
How to stop your dog from barking at certain people
If you know that the person your dog is barking at has good intentions, dog trainers recommend using positive reinforcement training to teach your dog not to feel protective or defensive around that person. This method of canine training uses rewards to encourage your dog to behave the way you want, building confidence and positive associations. Whenever your dog does not bark at people, reward them, and they will eventually learn that refraining from barking at people means they get some playtime or a tasty treat.
Dogs are very expressive animals, and their body language and behaviour will show how they are feeling. While barking at people shouldn’t be treated as bad behaviour, it’s helpful to recognise why your dog may be doing it. With positive reinforcement training and ensuring you don’t inadvertently encourage them your dog can learn that barking at people is not acceptable, and that staying calm results in better things.
