If your dog is only barking at you and not your husband, there could be a few reasons why.
It could be resource barking, your dog sees you as a threat, or they’re jealous or territorial. Your dog may even see you as a stranger and is asserting dominance. Barking is your dog’s way of communicating with you and your husband.
Why Does My Dog Bark At Me and Not My Husband?
Your dog barks at you, not your husband, because he most likely feels threatened, is asserting dominance, or is trying to express general communication.
Feels Threatened
Your dog could feel threatened by you and might be barking to warn you away. Your dog’s main goal is to protect himself and his primary owner, which is why dogs typically bark at other people and dogs.
He might feel upset when you are close to your husband because he wants to be close to him. In other words, you are stepping on his territory. Your pup either feels threatened by how physically close you and your husband get and wants to stop it, or he might feel threatened by how emotionally close you are to him.
Asserting Dominance
Sometimes, dogs see themselves as dominant. Your dog will bark at you if he feels you are doing something he disapproves of. Your dog barks at you to let you know they are in charge.
If your dog is expressing dominant behavior, you can work with a trainer to teach your dog who is in charge. While asserting dominance isn’t always dangerous, it can be. Dogs will bite their packmates as a way to discipline them, so it is possible he could bite you to show you he thinks he is in charge.
Resource Barking
Your dog might be resource barking at you because they think you are getting in the way of their “resource.” If your husband is primarily the one who feeds your dog, walks, gives him treats, and plays with him, your pup might think you will take away their primary resource.
A dog naturally guards their resources the same way that we guard our favorite snack in the fridge from our family. While we might hide the snack in the back of the refrigerator, your dog is barking to tell you to back off and leave your husband alone.
Final Thoughts
To help your dog bark less at you, you can do a few things. Try to get as involved in your pup’s routine as possible, like taking him for his daily walk. Try to play with your dog more often, cuddle with him, and pet him, so allow him to like spending time with you.
If you spend more time with your dog without your husband, your pup will slowly feel more comfortable and trust you. In addition, you can always work with a trainer to help your dog with his behavior issues if you believe he is asserting dominance.
Earning your pup’s trust can take some time, so it is essential to be cautious and patient while building a friendship with your dog.
