So this has happened a few times to me and it happened again today. I live in a new development and we're all new to the neighborhood. I walked into a neighbors house for the first time today and their blue heeler came right up to me, tail wagging and pet her with entheausiasm.

The owners looked shocked and said she always hangs back and barks. They said that was not typical behavior from their dog.

I knew another family, years ago who had two German shepherds from the same litter. We had a similar greeting and I actually wrestled around with them on the ground. Again, they were shocked! They said they've never felt that comfortable and played that way with a non-family member.

Anyone have an explanation?

Tony

Dogs just know.
Not complicated.

Must be because your a Dog Tony

I'm the same way. It amazes people when their dogs take to me right off. Friends of ours have a high strung husky that always ends up laying on the floor on its back With its head in my lap when we visit. It messes them up every time.

Dogs are smart enough to know who their friends are.

That's my superpower - I have a supernatural ability to connect with most dogs.

If I run into a dog that genuinely doesn't like me, I actually get offended.

I went to a wolf refuge this summer, and the wolves even took to me. They followed me around like puppies, and I had to encourage them to go to my wife and nephew (we paid for a 'wolf encounter,' and I didn't want to hog all the attention).

I think it might be because you smell like you're related.

Being a plumber, I'm in many houses, and often get the same response. Most dog's know when you love them and respond in kind. I am also offended when I can't make up to one. Who knows? Only the dogs!!

I've had several people shocked on how well their dogs liked me saying they (dog) never usually get along with anybody.
They just know.

Contrary wise, I do not trust anyone that my dog does not like.

I am the same way, only with cats. I would be in peoples houses taking reports or on family fights and the cats would be all over me. Very strange.

My wife is the way you describe. Virtually all dogs are attracted to her and will come to her and allow her to pet them. I think they can sense that she is truly a kind hearted soul. Most babies and small children respond to her the same way.

We have a cocker spaniel we took in because the original owner couldn't manage him any more. He is just old, mean and deaf. He tries to bite everyone. He never bothered my wife so she took him and they have become very attached to each other. The only way I stopped him from biting me was a boot to the snout. After a couple times getting the boot he decided he wanted to be friends with me too! Too bad he is deaf, otherwise he'd be a great watch dog.

I'm the same way with dogs and kids. Dogs will just come up to me.

Sometimes I'll make them wet the floor they get so excited to see me. I don't know why.

Little kids, I'll be at the store or whatever and they will be waving at me and smiling. Run up to me like I'm their dad or favorite uncle.

As a matter of fact, I was in Walmart not to long ago looking at something. Out of the blue a little girl had run up behind me and next thing I know she is hugging my leg.

It's always been like that. I don't know why, it's been like that my whole life.


ARman

Another dog magnet here. I think it's my bacon socks...

But seriously, there are very few dogs I can't make almost instant friends with.

SWMBO and I walk a couple of miles every day unless it's REALLY storming. On one of our routes, there are three houses in a row with a couple of dogs each that don't believe in leash laws. The six dogs, all mutts, tend to run in a pack if they're all outside at the same time.

SWMBO is a nervous wreck, just KNOWING she's going to get bit by one of the pack. We all know dogs sense fear, and they bark like the hounds of hell when we walk by. I just maintain my usual stroll and talk to them. 4 of them stay well within their bounds and bark. 1, appears to be a lab/pitt mix, comes over to have his ears scratched and 1 stalks up to within a couple of feet and is all teeth and bark. Him, I keep an eye on, the rest I think we could be buddies if it weren't for SWMBO and her fear response.

quote:

Originally posted by Fenris:
Contrary wise, I do not trust anyone that my dog does not like.

I had a Golden female. We were camping when she was a pup. Every day I'd train her a few minutes at a time. Other campers would watch or come out to make of her. This one guy walked up and she snarled at him and ran behind me. He asked what's wrong with your dog? I said she doesn't like you.
I find they are a good judge of character and kept an eye on the gent for the rest of the week.

quote:

Originally posted by YooperSigs:
I am the same way, only with cats. I would be in peoples houses taking reports or on family fights and the cats would be all over me. Very strange.

It's because they are Yooper cats eh, they think they are dogs eh.

Most dogs like me too, I enjoy the reactions of people who say "he doesn't take to men but he sure likes you".

Dogs are great! Cats like me too.

Dogs get most of their information about people from their body language and scent. Some folks are just naturally able to communicate friendliness to dogs through posture and expressions. Stanley Coren wrote a book, How to Speak Dog, that gives fascinating insight

quote:

Originally posted by YooperSigs:
I am the same way, only with cats. I would be in peoples houses taking reports or on family fights and the cats would be all over me. Very strange.

Eh, yeah..cats seem to like me too. I figure it's because I'm allergic to most of them and cats can just be a$$holes.

I agree with phpaul, it's the bacon socks!

I have a similar effect on dogs but it deals more towards obedience. I'm not claiming to be the dog whisperer or anything but dogs like me and obey my commands when they never listen to thier pawrents.

Ill be impressed if you can get it to work with cats!

Just about all dogs and cats like me and respond positively, including countless ones over the years that the owner says pretty much hates everyone else, from supposed ankle biters to big yard dogs, indoor cats or feral, it's so consistent that it throws me off a bit when the occasional one is disinterested or just plain unfriendly. I've only met a dog or two, ever, that I couldn't stand, one being a neighbor's cocker spaniel when I was a kid. That dog hated everything, it seemed, and came at me like a rabid zombie every damn time.

I think they just sense a friendly person who likes animals and is unafraid of them, and I'm sure they can smell other animals, and since I have two dogs of my own perhaps there's a tinge of that scent always around, maybe on my shoes or clothes.

Or maybe that's what the neighborhood dogs are yapping about sometimes, rather than just noise, maybe it's like: "hey, dudes, this guy here is cool, gives good pet, etc".