Introducing visitors to Anxious Dog

When other dogs approach you at the park, does your dog hide behind you? When new visitors come to your house, does he bark in terror? If that's the case, you're in for a challenging task. You don't want your pet's anxious tendencies to prevent him from being introduced to new and exciting things, even if you want to make sure he's comfortable. Dogs, like other animals, are typically more scared of people than people are of them. This is influenced by various circumstances, including the dogs' previous experiences.

Dogs that have been abused, for example, may find it difficult to adjust to individuals or situations. These puppies will require more attention, training, and tender loving care. Some dogs, on the other hand, have never been socialized. Inadequate contact with individuals outside of their immediate family might also cause them to enter stranger danger mode and act differently when meeting new people.

Introducing Visitors to Anxious Dog

Dogs require socialization, especially when they are young. Unfamiliar people's anxiety might lead to violent or bashful, anxious conduct. Your dog may also respond violently against a stranger to defend their area and itself.

When your dog is scared of strangers in the house then understanding the source of your dog's fear will aid you in managing it and developing a therapy or training plan. To create a strategy that will work for you and your dog, speak with your veterinarian or a canine behavior specialist.

Allow your dog to take the initiative.

It would help if you never allowed a new person to approach, speak to, or touch your dog unless your dog takes the first move to indicate that such interaction is appropriate.

Request that the new person give your dog some treats

The new person should hold out goodies or place them on the floor nearby without establishing eye contact with your dog. During this time, the new individual should be standing sideways or crouching.

If your dog continues to show fear or shyness, do not reward him

Suppose you reward your dog for continuing to display fear or shyness, as Whitney points out. In that case, you will postpone his development and increase the probability of continuing to participate in this undesirable behavior.

Wait patiently

If your dog enjoys the goodies provided, he will gradually get the confidence to approach the new person, although it may take some time. You should never rush this procedure since it will just make your dog's anxiety or shyness worse.

Begin in a Calm, Neutral Setting

Make sure you start this procedure in a controlled setting with few stimuli or distractions for your dog.

Use a Well-Behaved, Familiar Dog

It would help if you began introducing your pet to a confident, well-socialized dog since this will assist you in learning how to handle these sorts of introductions.

At first, take it slowly.

Make sure both dogs are adequately leashed before making this initial introduction. At first, keep your distance from the other dog and his handler, and reward your dog for being calm. Then carefully approach the new dog. When the dogs finally meet, let them smell each other and circle around each other. It would help if you then walked away with your dog.

Give Lots of Treats

Treats are a simple method to establish a link between new people and pleasant moments. Rather than pulling your dog out of her comfort zone by asking her to take treats from strangers' hands, have them throw tiny delicious treats to her. She may choose to keep her distance from the individual, but she may also feel that going closer for more rewards is worth the risk. If your dog refuses to take treats when people are nearby, this indicates that the contact is too stressful; thank them and continue walking.

Make use of a lot of positive reinforcement.

It will help reward your dog when he exhibits confident behavior throughout the introduction procedure, as this will create a good association with meeting new canines.

As many times as necessary, repeat the process.

Depending on how shy or afraid your dog is, you may need to repeat this process multiple times before he feels completely comfortable among other dogs. You will both feel more at ease and calm on your trips once he has gained this confidence.

Why do some dogs have more difficulty meeting new people and pets than others?

Although it's impossible to say why certain dogs are more frightened of particular canines or humans than others, it's critical to give your puppy positive exposure to people during this critical socialization period. When pups have negative experiences, they may acquire a problematic fear to handle later in life.

Maintain Your Calm

Your dog will look to you for clues about new circumstances, so try to be upbeat when meeting new individuals, even if the idea may seem daunting. Maintaining calm under pressure can assist your dog in learning that meeting new people does not have to be frightening. Focus on your dog and tone, and always have a cheerful voice.

Hire a professional 

Dogs are complex creatures, and adding anxiety to the mix makes handling them much more difficult. Look for a dog trainer who has worked with anxious dogs before. They'll understand what you're going through and how to calm down an anxious dog and work through their issues.

Don't compel them to behave in a certain way.

Not every dog is interested in making friends with strangers. Don't introduce your dog to your guests if you know they're frightened or if you observe them getting freaked out. Give your dog some breathing room, preferably in a dog box or another secure location.

Introducing your dog to new visitors may be difficult but keep in mind that dogs, like people, can be apprehensive about strangers. Slow down and pay attention to your dog's mood at all times. With a little luck and the appropriate training, your dog should begin to see strangers as new friends when they enter your house.