Don’t Panic: What Not To Do With A Worried Dog Around Visitors

Here are some Common Mistakes you SHOULD AVOID to help your dog who reacts by barking, snapping, jumping, at visitors.

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It’s natural for dogs to feel a bit anxious or nervous around unfamiliar people. However, it’s important to know how to respond to your dog’s discomfort without inadvertently making things worse. Here are some things you should avoid doing if your dog is worried by visitors:

1. Force Interactions

Pressuring your dog to greet visitors can backfire. It can make them feel more stressed and may even lead to aggressive behavior. Let your dog approach visitors on their own terms.

2. Yell or Punish

Yelling at or punishing your dog for being afraid will only reinforce their fear. It can also damage your relationship with them. Instead, remain calm and patient.

3. Ignore the Behavior

While it may seem like ignoring your dog’s fear will make it go away, this can actually be counterproductive. It can send the message that their anxiety is acceptable, which may lead to more frequent and severe reactions.

4. Overprotect Your Dog

While it’s important to protect your dog from harm, overprotecting them can also be detrimental. It can prevent them from learning to cope with their fear and may make them more reliant on you.

5. Treat Them to Excess

While treats can be a helpful tool for training and building trust, overusing them can lead to weight gain and can also make your dog associate food with stressful situations.

6. Assume They’re Aggressive

Just because your dog is showing signs of fear doesn’t mean they’re aggressive. Fear and aggression are two very different things. It’s important to understand the root of your dog’s behavior.

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Instead, try these strategies:

  • Create a safe space: Provide your dog with a quiet, comfortable place where they can retreat when they feel overwhelmed.
  • Positive reinforcement: Reward your dog for calm behavior around visitors.
  • Socialization training: Gradually expose your dog to new people and situations in a controlled environment.
  • Consult a professional: If your dog’s fear is severe or impacting their quality of life, consider seeking advice from a professional dog trainer or behaviorist.

Remember, patience and understanding are key when dealing with a fearful dog. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can help your dog feel more comfortable and confident around visitors.

If you need help, I have a course especially for dogs who react to visitors Visitor Protocol: Helping Dogs Overcome Visitor Reactivity

By Suzanne

Edinburgh Holistic Dogs.