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You want to expose your dog to different situations, but whenever they meet someone new, they’re anxious and cowering. It’s a common experience for many dog owners, but why is your pup afraid of strangers?
Not only that, but how can you help them warm up to these situations? It’s a lot to unpack, so we came up with this guide that breaks down everything you need to know.
The 5 Reasons Why Dogs are Afraid of Strangers
1. Lack of Socialization
| Likelihood: | Very high |
| Seriousness: | Moderate |
| Difficulty to Fix: | Moderate |
By far, the most likely reason for a dog to be afraid of strangers is simply because they haven’t spent enough time around them. The more you socialize your dog, the more likely they’ll warm up to strangers.
If your dog is showing aggressive tendencies, you should seek professional help, but otherwise, it’s best to expose them to as many people and new environments as possible.
2. History of Abuse
| Likelihood: | Moderate |
| Seriousness: | Very high |
| Difficulty to Fix: | Very hard |
If you adopt a dog, you may not know what they went through before they met you. If your dog shows fear around new people, it’s possible that they were abused earlier in their life.
This is especially true if they seem to dislike one type of person over another (like if they’re more scared of men than females). If your dog has a history of abuse, proper socialization is still the answer, but they’ll likely need a lot more time to adjust and become less fearful.
3. Genetics
| Likelihood: | Moderate |
| Seriousness: | Moderate |
| Difficulty to Fix: | Moderate |
Some dogs are simply more comfortable around new people than others. Breeds that have a history of working around people or have been bred as companion animals usually warm up to people quickly.
However, it is perfectly normal for some dogs to be more timid than others around strangers. If your dog is timid, introduce them to new dogs and humans gradually. It takes time, but you can expose your dog to several new people and unfamiliar environments to help them become more comfortable and less fearful.
4. Overstimulation
| Likelihood: | Moderate |
| Seriousness: | Moderate |
| Difficulty to Fix: | Moderate |
If they’re in a chaotic environment, it’s easy for your dog to be a little more fearful. You’ll want to expose them to calmer situations with strangers before taking them to a crowded event or location.
With enough socialization, you can make your pup more comfortable in hectic situations, but take your time and slowly work your way up to them.
5. Improper Training
| Likelihood: | Low |
| Seriousness: | Very high |
| Difficulty to Fix: | Very hard |
Positive reinforcement is critical when training your dog. Otherwise, your dog will start hiding poor behavior when they’re scared, and often, their fears can come out when they’re around strangers.
Stay positive, let them know they’re safe and loved, and encourage the people around them to treat them the same way. Even a few misguided instances can seriously affect your dog’s well-being.
How to Help Your Dog Warm Up to Strangers
If your dog is scared of strangers, finding out why is only half the battle. The other half is figuring out how to make them more comfortable around unfamiliar people. With that in mind, we’ve highlighted three tips to help you and your dog.
1. Socialize Them
You’re nervous in new situations, and so is your dog. Make the new situation seem more normal, and they’re more likely to react positively. Introduce them to several people, and when possible, let them get to know some of them.
Once your dog realizes that the strangers only want to love up on them and give them attention, they’re more likely to befriend them.
2. Manage Interactions
Some dogs run when they’re scared, but others can get aggressive. Be cautious when approaching new people, and if you see your dog show signs of aggression, take a step back and let them calm down.
They might need a break for the rest of the day, but even short interactions can lead to a marked improvement in the future.
3. Use Positive Reinforcement
When your dog behaves appropriately, you should reward them with treats. Even if your dog is scared, praise them and let them know everything is OK by giving them treats.
If you can get your dog to associate meeting new people with getting a treat, their excitement will start to replace their anxious feelings.
Conclusion
Having a dog that’s scared of strangers is frustrating, but keep in mind they’re not doing it to annoy you. They’re scared and anxious, and with proper socialization and training, you can help them overcome their fear.
Stay patient, positive, and loving, and maintain daily training and socialization sessions. Before long, your pup won’t have any trouble making new friends!
Featured Image Credit: p.s.stasya, Shutterstock
