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nurture, respect, befriend

Handling a Dog that likes you But Dislikes Others: A Pet Sitter’s Experience

published on march 11, 2025 by nrbcares

As a pet sitter, you meet all kinds of dogs—some are social butterflies who greet every new person with a wagging tail, while others are more selective about who they trust. Sometimes, you find yourself in a tricky situation where a dog absolutely loves you but doesn’t really like anyone else.

That’s exactly what happened to me during a pet-sitting job with Max, a smaller rescue dog. What started as an easygoing gig turned into a valuable lesson in dog behavior, boundaries, and the importance of reading an animal’s cues.

Pond party! Sawyer, a husky, and a third furry friend make a splash together. 🌊🐶🐾

When a Dog chooses you But Not Others

Meeting the Dog – The Incident

Max’s owners described him as affectionate once he warmed up, but they didn’t mention any issues with new people. When I arrived, he bonded with me almost immediately—following me around, lying at my feet while I watched TV, and even sleeping next to me at night. <3

It was such a seamless transition that I assumed he’d be just as easygoing with anyone else I welcomed into the house. That assumption quickly changed when my sister stopped by for a short visit.

Since I had permission to have guests over, I didn’t think twice about inviting her in. When she arrived, Max had been fast asleep on his bed across the room, completely relaxed.

I opened the door and greeted her but the moment she stepped inside, he stirred. His ears perked up, and within seconds, he walked straight over to her and let out a deep, tense growl. His muscles were rigid, his tail was still, and his eyes locked onto her. This wasn’t just a quick warning—he was on edge.

The dog likes me, but dislikes her?

Then, just as suddenly, he turned around, padded back to his bed, and curled up again. But even as he lay down, he kept glancing at her, his body tense, as if expecting something to happen. This was a classic case of handling a dog that likes you but not strangers—his trust in me didn’t extend to others.

My sister, understandably startled, froze. I reassured her that it’s fine and I had to keep a close eye on Max the entire time. He remained wary the entire time, lifting his head anytime she shifted or moved. It wasn’t aggression, but it also wasn’t just a momentary reaction—he was uncomfortable with her presence, and I had no clue why. Managing a dog as a solo pet sitter requires understanding their body language and respecting their space.

That experience was a wake-up call. Just because a dog trusts you doesn’t mean they’ll automatically trust everyone else. With rescue dogs, especially, trust is selective and sometimes unpredictable. When caring for a dog that’s loyal to you but wary of others, it’s important to set boundaries and ensure guests don’t overwhelm them. Every dog has its own boundaries—even ones their owners might not fully understand. Apparently as a sitter, I need to be ready for anything!

5 Ways to Handle a Dog that likes you But Dislikes Others

1. Watch for Signs of Discomfort

Watch for Signs of Discomfort

Handling a dog that likes you but dislikes everyone else requires careful observation of their body language. Dogs rarely react out of nowhere. Before a dog growls or barks, they often display more subtle signs of stress, including:

Stiff body posture
Ears pinned back or standing rigid
Tail held stiffly (either high or tucked)
Avoiding eye contact or, conversely, staring intensely
Lip licking, yawning, or excessive panting (signs of anxiety)

If you notice these signals while handling a dog that likes you but no one else, step in before the situation escalates.

2. Set Clear Boundaries for Visitors

When handling a dog that likes you but dislikes others, it’s essential to establish ground rules for interactions to prevent stress or defensive reactions. If a dog under your care is uncomfortable with strangers:

Let guests know in advance that the dog is selective.
Ask visitors to ignore the dog upon arrival—no petting, talking, or direct eye contact.
Keep the dog in a separate room or behind a pet gate if needed.
Allow the dog to observe from a safe distance before any introductions.

By setting these boundaries, you can create a safer environment when handling a dog that likes you but no one else.

3. Use Positive Reinforcement (If Appropriate)

When handling a dog that likes you but dislikes others, positive reinforcement can help build trust with guests.

If the dog isn’t highly reactive and the owner is open to it, you can slowly introduce the dog to new people using controlled exposure:

Have visitors toss high-value treats without making direct contact.
Let the dog approach on their own terms rather than forcing an introduction.
Encourage a calm, low-energy greeting from guests.

However, if a dog is particularly fearful or reactive, it’s best to leave training to a professional.

4. Respect the Dog’s Limits

Not every dog will become a social butterfly, and that’s okay. Some dogs are naturally cautious with strangers, and forcing interactions can backfire.

In Max’s case, I didn’t try to coax him into liking my sister. Instead, I let him retreat to his safe space and made sure she respected his boundaries. Over time, if I had needed to introduce him to new people regularly, I would have worked on gradual exposure. But at that moment, the best approach was simply managing the situation safely.

Stitch, the adorable Australian Shepherd, caught in the moment while getting a scratch and looking up with a loving gaze.

5. Communicate with the Owner About Behavioral Concerns

If a dog under your care shows unexpected behavior—such as reacting negatively to new people—it’s important to inform the owner. Even if they haven’t mentioned any issues, they may not be fully aware of how their dog behaves in every situation.

When discussing the behavior with the owner:

Be specific about what happened, including the dog’s body language and any triggers.
Ask if they’ve noticed this behavior before and if they have any insights.
Discuss management strategies for future interactions, such as keeping the dog in a separate space when guests arrive or watching for early signs of discomfort.
Respect their preferences—some owners may want to work on socialization, while others may prefer to avoid interactions altogether.

By keeping an open line of communication, you help ensure that both the dog and the people around them remain safe and comfortable.

Key Takeaways:

Caring for a dog that loves you but dislikes others can be a challenge.

But with patience and the right approach, you can manage the situation effectively. Every dog has its own personality, history, and comfort level with strangers, and as pet sitters (or owners), it’s our job to respect those boundaries.

🐶 Always read a dog’s body language for early warning signs.
🐶 Set boundaries for guests and manage introductions carefully.
🐶 Use positive reinforcement only if it aligns with the dog’s comfort level.
🐶 Respect the dog’s personality—some dogs just prefer their space.
🐶 Keep open communication with the owner about any behavioral concerns.

By understanding a dog’s individual needs and behavior, you can create a safe and comfortable environment for both the dog and any visitors they may encounter.