Aug 25 2010
Stop Canine Hostility Towards Unknown People
In dog training terms I really like to call this “Stranger Aggression”. If your dog gets scared by strangers; jumpy and always on alert, pacing and scared by the smallest movements or if he is very still with laser like concentrate on his target (the mailman, a visitor approaching). Then your dog is showing alarm signals that he could get aggressive toward strangers.
Reasons why
The one reason dogs show “stranger aggression” is that they have not been properly socialized around strangers. They haven’t spent sufficient time around strangers to become used to them. Your dog looks to you for all his worldly experiences. It is your decision to expose him to new folks, places and things in a positive demeanor with positive experiences so that he can realize for himself that not all new places and faces are something that should be afraid of.
What do you do now?
Socialization: A technique of getting your dog accustom to the world around him and all of the unusual folks, animals and things in it. I will not stress enough the importance of socialization is to your dogs upbringing. Socialization should start as soon as your puppy has his vaccinations and continue throw away his life.
What about an older dog.
It is never really too late to socialize your dog. Although it may take a bit longer and you must take certain cares so you, your dog or the stranger can avoid a bad experience or worse an injury.
Take it slowly and never force a very anxious dog into a strange situation. Try to keep any training in short lessons or exposures of not more than 15 mins. Reveal your dog to new folk and places regularly. You can expect your dog to get over his fears if you only work on his socialization once per week. Try 2 to 3 times per week and go from there with longer sessions.
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