We often hear this in training, "Don't act Creepy!"
All that sneaking around, moving slow, putting your hand out to sniff and backing way is making you appear suspicious. If you back off when he growls you have verified both your ill will and a weak character (to the dog.. not calling you as a person out).
What do you think would happen if you simply walked up to the dog and put the leash on without any nonsense and without looking the dog in the eye? Try getting a slip leash (goes over the head and tightens like a noose). Walk up to the dog and drop it over his head and tighten it and walk away and take him out. No sneaking up on him, offering your hand or talking or any of that. Just put it on and go.
I bet you see a different dog.
You have offered this dog no clarity. You need to be black and white with dogs. They thrive on it. The more uncertain you are the more defensive the dog will be. Use a tool (slip leash) so you don't get bitten and be crisp and certain in your movements around this dog.
All that sneaking around, moving slow, putting your hand out to sniff and backing way is making you appear suspicious. If you back off when he growls you have verified both your ill will and a weak character (to the dog.. not calling you as a person out).
What do you think would happen if you simply walked up to the dog and put the leash on without any nonsense and without looking the dog in the eye? Try getting a slip leash (goes over the head and tightens like a noose). Walk up to the dog and drop it over his head and tighten it and walk away and take him out. No sneaking up on him, offering your hand or talking or any of that. Just put it on and go.
I bet you see a different dog.
You have offered this dog no clarity. You need to be black and white with dogs. They thrive on it. The more uncertain you are the more defensive the dog will be. Use a tool (slip leash) so you don't get bitten and be crisp and certain in your movements around this dog.