Why Does My Dog Cry When He Sees Another Dog?

[The Complete Guide]

Dogs can be bold, brave, fun, athletic, and cute. These qualities please dog owners and make them proud. How can you not love a dog with all admirable qualities? They are such likable and adorable animals! However, can you vouch for your dog even in difficult times? 

When they need your support as a dog owner? We hope you do because many people think that any unusual behavior coming from their dog is shameful. We can cut our dogs some slack and treat them as emotional beings for once, and that is one quality that strengthens the bonds between humans and animals.

Many dog owners have complaints that their dog cries around another dog, which is problematic dog behavior in all honesty. But our experts believe that we can fix this issue by bringing awareness among people and providing the right solutions. 

The first step to solving any problem is understanding it, so unless you do not understand dog behavior’s whys and hows, there won’t be much for you to do. So here is a descriptive guide for all dog owners suffering from this problem; we hope this helps you!

Should Your Dog’s Behavior Worry You?

If you talk to an animal professional and animal behaviorist, they would tell you that this is one of the most common issues dog owners have faced. Therefore, you must pay attention to the matter but do not let it be bothersome. A simple visit to a veterinarian, behaviorist, or even a dog trainer should be enough to resolve your issue. However, you will have to work actively towards making your dog more comfortable in the company of other dogs.

What Is Making Your Dog Cry?

To answer your most important question, which is, “Why does my dog cry when they see another dog?”. We have some valid explanations for their unusual behavior. As dog experts, these are the ones we encountered and observed the most. As you scheme through them, try to examine the reasons that might fit well in your dog’s scenario. And without any further ado, here are the following reasons:

Habitual

There is a possibility that your dog cried once in the presence of another dog, and then you consoled them by petting. Your actions meant well, but you unknowingly gave your dog attention, and they love that! Every time they whine and pet them, it’s like a boost of attention for them, validating their existence.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Traumatizing events in the past trigger an emotional reaction in us through things that co-relate with the incident. This phenomenon is known as PTSD, and it is just as common in dogs as it is in humans. If your pet was attacked by another dog when they were young, they most likely fear being attacked again.

Envious

We have felt envious or jealous of a person who interferes in our relationships and takes the thunder from us. If you notice that your dog whines when you pet other dogs, there is a high possibility that your dog behaves weirdly due to jealousy. Some dogs tend to get aggressive; they might attack, bark, growl, or block you from showing affection to another dog.

Appeasement Behaviors

Appeasement behavior refers to the act of dogs submitting themselves out of fear so that they can be safe from any harm or threat. It is vital to judging their body language in this scenario; they can crouch and tuck their tail inwards. Avoid eye contact and more. Dogs indulge in this behavior to steer clear of any conflict—the goal here to appear friendly and non-threatening to another dog.

Enthusiasm

Excitement and having a solid urge to greet other dogs is another cause, and perhaps the most adorable ones out of the lot. Dogs are naturally social beings; they enjoy interacting with other dogs if you adequately expose them to their environment from a young age. Sometimes, whining is also a way to greet; we must learn to distinguish it from appeasement behavior.

Our Suggestion For Stopping Your Dog From Crying

A simple way to deal with this problem is to avoid this behavior altogether; simply stop responding to their cries, and they will learn that their tactic is no longer adequate to gain your attention.

Use positive reinforcement on your dog; treat them whenever they do not cry around other dogs. Avoid negative reinforcement and try to incorporate different solutions in the meantime. 

If you think this is a social problem, make them meet dogs with a calm temperament who are less aggressive and preferably a little playful. But be careful; you do not want an overexcited buddy for your dog; try to find the perfect balance.

If nothing works for you, your last resort is visiting a dog behaviorist or a veterinarian. You can also opt for a dog trainer, so they can re-learn commands and form healthy behavior patterns. If you want a more in-depth view of your dog’s psyche, a dog behaviorist will make you understand the reason behind their weird behavior.