How to help your dog be less fearful of strangers?
Have you been faced with the situation where your pup is affectionate and cute with you at home, but when a stranger approaches he can be scared, withdrawn, or even skittish?
This behavior can originate from several factors, from your pup’s breed to possible traumas with people in his past.
Your pup is not obliged to love everyone he meets. But it is ideal for your peace of mind that he learns not to fear strangers.
So keep reading to learn how to help your dog be less fearful of strangers
Practice the Interactions
Even if your dog enjoys interacting with people, he may often be stressed, nervous, or uncomfortable with strangers. That’s why it’s important to teach and practice interactions with strangers, such as waiting calmly while you chat with a neighbor outside.
Read More: Teaching your Puppy How to be Alone
Do Not Force Introductions
Because we want our pups to be friendly and social, we often end up forcing them to do so, which can traumatize them and make the situation worse.
If your dog isn’t comfortable around strangers, help him build trust first by getting him to be calm in the presence of strangers without having to interact.
Signs your Pup is Uncomfortable
It’s always important to look at your dog’s body language to get a feel for whether or not he’s comfortable. Dogs that are uncomfortable around strangers will exhibit behaviors such as barking or growling to warn the stranger to keep their distance.
Read More: How to Read Dog Body Language
Building Trust Around Strangers
If your dog is afraid of strangers, start by building trust in places where there is movement of people and it’s not too crowded. Be sure to keep distance at first so that your dog feels safe.
Slowly bring them closer to people and observe. If your pup feels uncomfortable, step back a few meters and wait until he is calmer to try again. Small, daily doses are important, always observing your dog’s body language.
Assess The Interactions
Once your dog starts to learn to interact with strangers, it’s important to continuously observe and assess his interactions with other people. Try to keep him on a leash during interactions and always remove him from the situation whenever he feels uncomfortable.
Be your dog’s biggest advocate and don’t feel bad about denying a stranger from interacting with your dog if he is uncomfortable. This will help your dog learn to trust you even more.
Read More: Noise Anxiety in Dogs – What Is It?
How to Help Your Dog Be Less Fearful of Strangers – Final Thoughts
If your pup is afraid of strangers and you find yourself having a hard time practicing these interactions, we recommend that you seek help from a Balanced Dog Trainer in your area.
Dog Walker Astoria
If you require help providing socialization opportunities for your dog and you live in Astoria, you can enroll your pup in daily Socialization Walks with Buster and Whiskers. We offer daily 1-hour Socialization Walks. If your pup is under-socialized, we will work with them to help desensitize them and get them ready for our Group Socialization Walks. You must live within our Astoria coverage area. In addition, your dog must be up-to-date on all required vaccinations. Laying a strong foundation in socialization is the best gift you can give your pup for a long and happy life together!
Buster and Whiskers is The #1 Dog Walking Service in Astoria, NY. If your dog needs more exercise or social interaction, enroll your pup in daily Socialization Walks with us. Contact us for a professional and reliable Dog Walker in Astoria! Follow us on Instagram!
