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My dog barks and growls at men. How can I get him to like them?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 15 lbs

So my dog hates men he will bark at them and growls at them what should I do to change my hat so I can bring him around men again

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jeffrey Milner

Veterinarian

Published on July 29th, 2017

Hi, if your dog hates men it may be a dominance issues. Buddy may feel like men are trying to be the leader of his pack and he wants to challenge them. Or he may just be afraid of them and showing fear. I would socialize him with many men by walking her on a leash and having the man calmly drop a treat in front of him. The more different men who do this, the better. Praise him when he is not barking. Then have them come closer and get down on his level and hand him a treat. Go slow with this and don't have them reach to pet his unless he approaches them. If you're walking Buddy and he starts to bark, get his attention back to you by carrying some treats with you. Stop and have him sit then reward him. Ask the man going by if he would toss a treat to him. Sometimes strangers or neighbors, friends and family are willing to help with this. Good luck, i hope this helps!

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