Royal Library

Dogs often feel anxious when meeting new people, and recognizing and respecting their comfort levels can help. Here’s a streamlined guide to help your dog become more at ease around strangers:

Understanding Your Dog's Behavior:

• Natural Instincts: Some breeds, like Mastiffs, Chihuahuas, and Great Danes, have natural instincts to be wary of strangers.
• Past Experiences: A dog's personality and past experiences, good or bad, can affect their reaction to strangers.

Tips for Introducing Your Dog to New People:

Don’t Force Interactions:

• Forcing your dog to interact can make them feel threatened and increase their anxiety. Allow them to gain confidence by simply being near people without direct interaction.

Recognize Signs of Discomfort:

• Signs that your dog is uncomfortable include barking, lunging, growling, snapping, hiding, and stiff body language. If you notice these, give your dog space and respect their boundaries.

Practice Positive Interactions:

• Slowly introduce your dog to new people in safe environments. Use high-value treats to create positive associations with the presence of strangers.

Real-World Training:

• Practice in environments where your dog feels safe, such as parks or quiet streets. Gradually increase the distance and difficulty as your dog becomes more comfortable.

Manage Interactions:

• Keep your dog on a leash during interactions and provide a quiet space for them to retreat if they feel overwhelmed. Praise and reward any calm behavior, even if it means ignoring the guest.

Encourage Self-Regulation:

• Recognize and praise behaviors like "shake-offs," which indicate your dog is releasing stress. Provide distractions like toys or interactive games to keep your dog engaged during visits.

Advocate for Your Dog:

• Explain to strangers that your dog may not want to say hello. This helps build trust between you and your dog and benefits their training.

By taking these steps, you can help your dog feel more secure around strangers and improve their social interactions. 🐾