Have you ever spotted someone tense up around a dog, even if they insist they’re fine?

It’s often the little giveaways — stiff posture, darting eyes, or a forced laugh.

I’ve been there myself, back when a big, excitable Labrador bounded toward me, and I froze in mid-step.

I didn’t blurt out, “I’m scared,” but my body language said it for me.

Over the years, I’ve noticed a handful of behaviors that crop up in people who feel uneasy around dogs.

They might not realize they’re doing these things, but dogs (and astute humans) pick up on the cues in a heartbeat.

Below, you’ll find 9 common habits that signal nervousness.

1. Stiff, rigid posture

A telltale sign is an overall stiffness, as though every muscle is bracing for impact.

Arms stay pinned to the sides, shoulders hunch up, and there’s a sense of being on high alert.

Dogs notice this instantly because they rely heavily on body language to gauge intentions.

A rigid stance can make a dog more curious or even cautious, prompting extra sniffing or attention you might not want.

One simple fix is practicing a quick relaxation technique: drop your shoulders, take a breath, and let your arms relax.

Even small steps, like unclenching your hands, help signal to both the dog and your own nervous system that you’re safe.

So, here’s the thing:

A more fluid posture can ease your anxiety and reassure the dog you’re not a threat or a mystery needing close inspection.

2. Avoiding or locking eye contact

People uneasy around dogs tend to do one of two extremes with eye contact: avoid it entirely or stare too intently.

Avoidance might mean glancing at the ground or looking everywhere but the dog.

Intense staring, meanwhile, can come off as confrontational and may unsettle certain dogs.

Healthy eye contact is more like a friendly glance, enough to acknowledge the animal without appearing stressed.

In my experience, focusing on the dog’s ears or nose instead of its eyes can strike a better balance.

You’ll seem present but not unnervingly fixated.

When you see someone going to either extreme, it’s usually because they’re unsure how to handle that initial visual connection.

A calm, gentle look says, “I see you, I respect you, and I’m not here to cause trouble.”

3. Going into a high-pitched or overly sweet voice

Some folks try to compensate for nerves by adopting an exaggerated baby talk around dogs.

Maybe they hope a cheery tone will mask their fear, but the strained pitch often betrays them.

Dogs can sense tension lurking behind forced enthusiasm.

A more balanced tone, similar to how you’d greet a friend, tends to work better.

It feels authentic and doesn’t heighten the dog’s excitement or confusion.

After all, dogs respond well to sincerity, not forced chatter.

If you catch yourself squeaking out something like, “Hi sweet doggy, oh you’re so cute!” in a voice you barely recognize, pause.

Take a breath, lower your tone a bit, and speak gently yet calmly. It’s remarkable how that shift can soothe both you and the dog.

4. Making quick, jerky movements

Anxious people might move in sudden bursts: snapping an arm away if the dog sniffs, or darting aside if the dog approaches.

Such abrupt gestures can startle a dog or spark its curiosity—neither helps if you’re trying to keep your distance.

Dogs read body movements like a language, and jerky motions can seem like fear or aggression.

Slower, smoother actions are less likely to raise alarms.

If you’re unsure, try planning each small movement—like reaching for a glass or stepping back—before doing it.

It may feel odd at first, but mindful movement signals calmness to the dog.

And when the dog stays relaxed, it’s a lot easier for you to keep your cool as well.

5. Hiding behind others

When a dog enters the scene, it’s common for a nervous person to inch behind a friend or relative, using them as a shield.

While it might feel safer, it also draws the dog’s curiosity, prompting the animal to investigate what’s happening behind the human barricade.

Dogs naturally want to explore changes in group dynamics or unusual body positioning.

If you’re ducking behind someone, the dog might circle around to see you, intensifying your jitters.

A better strategy is standing at a comfortable distance but in plain sight.

Let your companion handle greetings if you need a buffer, but try not to fully hide.

Standing side by side with a calm individual can be reassuring for you and less intriguing for the dog.

It shows you’re present, not cowering.

6. Apologizing repeatedly for being scared

People often blurt out “Sorry, I’m just not good with dogs” multiple times.

They might feel embarrassed or worry the dog’s owner will judge them.

While there’s no shame in acknowledging fear, excessive apologies can make the moment more awkward.

A direct and clear statement—“I’m a bit uneasy around dogs; can we keep a little space?”—usually goes a long way.

Most owners understand, and it’s easier for them to help manage the dog’s interaction than to decode anxious rambling.

There’s nothing wrong with voicing discomfort, but constant apologies can magnify your own anxiety.

When you politely set a boundary, you reclaim a sense of control and reduce the stress for everyone involved, including the dog.

7. Tense or forced facial expressions

A clenched jaw, furrowed brows, or stiff smile often appear when nerves run high.

We might be trying to look friendly, but our facial muscles betray the tension.

Dogs may not interpret facial expressions the same way humans do, but they pick up on changes in your energy.

If your face is contorted or artificially grinning, a dog might sense something’s off.

Meanwhile, friends might ask, “Is everything okay?” which can make you more self-conscious.

Training yourself to soften your facial expression can be as simple as a quick internal check:

“Am I grinding my teeth or forcing a smile?”

Relax the jaw, let your mouth rest, and allow your eyes to settle. It’s surprising how releasing facial tension can help you feel calmer overall.

8. Tucking away hands or arms

People uneasy around dogs sometimes hide their hands—whether in pockets, behind their back, or folded tightly against their chest.

They worry a dog might lick or nibble on them, or they’re just unsure where to put their hands.

Dogs commonly sniff hands as a greeting, so hiding them can come across as guarded or suspicious.

The dog might circle around, determined to investigate.

If you’re hoping the dog will leave you alone, that curiosity can backfire.

A better move is keeping your hands at your sides in a relaxed position.

If you’re comfortable enough, offer the back of your hand for a quick sniff, then calmly withdraw if you don’t want more interaction.

This small gesture often satisfies the dog’s curiosity without making you feel vulnerable.

9. Overreacting or becoming defensive

Finally, some people respond to dog-induced nerves with sudden outbursts—shouting, “Keep your dog away!” or jumping back dramatically at minimal movement.

Though it might feel like self-preservation, it can also escalate tension.

Owners might become defensive, and the dog may sense conflict brewing.

Staying calm and communicating directly can prevent misunderstandings.

If a dog approaches too quickly, a firm but level tone—“I’m uncomfortable, please hold your dog”—generally works better than a panicked yell.

In my experience, people and pets alike respond more positively when you express boundaries clearly rather than react impulsively.

Being less reactive also gives you a chance to see if the dog is friendly.

Many dogs are just curious, not out to harm you.

When you manage your response, the situation stays composed, and you’re less likely to feel overwhelmed.

Conclusion

Feeling uneasy around dogs is nothing to be ashamed of—plenty of us have had moments of tension when a playful pup gets too close.

But we often broadcast our nerves through posture, tone of voice, and unconscious gestures.

Dogs, always on the lookout for body language cues, pick up on every stiff arm or anxious glance.

By recognizing these nine behaviors in yourself or others, you can start making small changes that foster calm.

Practice gentle, fluid movements, keep your tone level, and offer a safe distance if you need it.

Setting boundaries politely can reassure everyone — the dog, the owner, and you.

Yes, you may never become the ultimate “dog whisperer,” but that’s okay.

With mindfulness and practice, you can shift from feeling on edge to at least being comfortable.

Who knows?

You might even end up petting a wagging tail or two, realizing that man’s best friend doesn’t have to be your biggest fear.