Just like people, dogs have all different personalities! Some are outgoing, some are shy. Some are independent and aloof, while others are easygoing and affectionate.

For dogs who are on the nervous or timid side, it’s our job as their human guardians to be their advocates and give them some extra help when they’re frightened!

One common trigger for fearful dogs is strangers. In this blog post, you’ll learn how to properly introduce appropriate strangers to your nervous dog!

Notes

• In general, we recommend introducing new people to a dog by going for a walk first with the stranger tagging along before going into the home.
• If that’s not possible for any reason, this exercise could be used to teach your pup to gradually learn to like anyone who is appropriate towards them and let them take the lead to choose to interact or not in a home setting.

The Set Up

• When a guest comes into the house, have a place where your dog can see the person, but not approach them. You can use a baby gate or an x-pen to create a barrier that keeps both parties safe. 
• Provide your guest with some bite-sized treats that are very exciting and high value to your dog, such as hot dogs, cheese cubes, bacon bits, chicken pieces, etc. Keep the pieces small so you can deliver lots of treats without causing an upset tummy!

3. If your pup remains uncomfortable with the guest, continue tossing treats behind the dog for the time being. Stay at this step until your dog shows signs of being comfortable (relaxed body, no vocalizations, etc.)
4. Once your dog understands the game and is retreating and approaching comfortably, it’s time to raise criteria. Have your guest toss a treat between themself and your dog so she must move a little closer to the person, but right afterwards, toss another treat past the dog.

This exercise will slowly teach your dog to see that strangers/guests will respect their boundaries and won’t make them feel uncomfortable. The goal is that your dog will learn that strangers bring good things in the form of food rewards, thus creating a positive AND rewarding experience from the dog’s point of view.

Tips

• Tell your guests not to offer the treat by hand yet. This comes later, only when your dog is happy to stay close to the guest. Luring a dog by keeping treats in the hand can increase stress and frustrate the dog.
• Remind your guests of their own body language. Fast and sudden movements may startle your timid dog and trigger a reaction, such as cowering, retreating or hiding.
• Depending on the progress made with any new person, it may take your pup one session or multiple short sessions to feel comfortable and confident enough to come near any guest or to take treats from their hands. Each treat tossing session should be no longer than a few minutes at a time.
• Always remember to finish a training segment with your guest tossing the last treat away from where they are.
• If guests are moving around the house, make sure they give your dog lots of space and that your dog always has an escape route.

Remember, coming closer to sniff or investigate does not mean consent to pet/touch.

With lots of practice, your dog will begin to feel more comfortable with strangers. Each successful training session is like a small deposit in the bank: you need to do it consistently for a long time in order to build up your savings; and negative experiences can act like a withdrawal, setting back your progress. It’s important to take things at your dog’s pace and be careful not to ask too much of them at once.

Patrick Chu, CPDT-KA

Behaviour Coordinator

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