Whether they’re helping you or you’re helping train their dog, remember: never lean over a dog or stare into their eyes, as this can be threatening. Of course, it also helps when the folks your dog interacts with know how to approach them in a friendly manner. With enough patience and love (and treats), baby steps like these will take your dog’s training further than you ever imagined. Step 6: Gradually, the stranger should increase the amount of contact before feeding the treat. The stranger should reward the dog with another treat for being calm and cooperative. Step 5: As the stranger hand feeds the treat, have them gently pet the dog’s head, back, and/or chest-once the dog seems comfortable enough. Step 4: Next time, offer a treat directly from the stranger’s hand. Step 3: Let your dog approach the stranger and take a treat from the ground at the stranger’s feet Step 2: Repeat this process at 1 foot away and then when the dog is next to the stranger. Step 1: When your dog is within 2 feet of the stranger, hand the dog a treat and have the stranger toss one to them as well. ![]() Here’s a sample of steps this process can take, courtesy of the AKC: If they ever seem stressed out, it’s a good idea to move back a step or two for now. Of course, this should all go at your dog’s own pace. This repetitive process will let you move your dog slowly but surely toward the person until that new friend is handing your dog the treats themselves. ![]() Step 4: Continue this process until your dog is comfortable at that distance, and then repeat at a closer and closer distance. Step 3: Now you can get a little closer to the stranger and reward your pup just like before. Why won’t my dog bark? Here’s when pet parents should be concerned Where to put a dog crate in your house depends on these important factors Once your puppy begins to expect a treat, they are calm enough to move forward in training.Ĩ ways to calm down a dog scared of fireworks this 4th of July Step 2: Walk your dog away and then back toward the stranger to repeat this reward process. Make sure to reward them immediately after they notice the stranger so they can begin to make a mental association between the new person and the treat. Step 1: You will need to enlist the help of a friend your fur baby hasn’t met, as well as a lot of treats.Īccording to the AKC, the very first step is to reward your pup for simply remaining calm in the presence of a stranger, whether they’re comfortable a few feet away or across the dog park. After all, the idea is to show them that friendly strangers are great! It’s important to keep your dog calm throughout any training sessions, as adding stress will make them ineffective. Not only will this help your dog get used to being around humans, but they’ll truly enjoy it too. The American Kennel Club (AKC) recommends a combination of desensitization (gradually spending more and more time around strangers) and counter-conditioning (changing how your pup feels about strangers) training to make habit changes effective. Once you’ve identified the reason(s) for your dog’s reaction, you can work on exposing your pet to their trigger - in this case, strangers - in a new, safe way. A dog who barks out of frustration may actually want to get closer to say hello, though you should double-check with the person (and pet!) they want to meet before moving forward. ![]() You may see lunging movements, whereas frustrated dogs may run back and forth, as if anxious. Dogs who make this sound feel threatened, and they will let you know. Aggressive growls are often accompanied by hackles (the hair on the back of the neck) raising. It’s simply a way of saying, “Please back off!” So make sure to take action before your dog gets more uncomfortable.įrustrated and aggressive growls will sound “long, loud, and low” according to the folks at Purina. A warning growl will sound like a deep rumbling and is not meant to indicate an attack. Most likely, notes Purina, your dog will let out either a frustrated, warning, or aggressive growl if approached too quickly by a stranger. However, you're less likely to see these “happy” growls if your pup is interacting with strangers - unless they’ve become fast friends, of course. Not all cases of growling are negative dogs often growl during play or while getting belly rubs, for example. Just take it step by step! Here's how to stop your dog from growling at strangers. Before you know it, your dog will be the most polite pup you’ve ever met. Any pet parent can teach their fur babies better habits - it just takes some time, some patience, and a lot of treats. Learning how to stop your dog from growling may seem like a daunting task, but it is 100% doable.
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