Accepting Strangers

It has been well-documented in this blog that I don't like new people. According to my mom, I'm not the only one. Many dogs are afraid of new people and don't really want a stranger reaching over their heads to pet them. So how do you get your dog to interact with strangers?

In 2009, my mom taught me how to touch. While this trick in itself can be a huge benefit with reactive dogs, giving them something else to do when they want to bark, it can also teach them to interact with regular visitors.

Once your dog can confidently touch, either with the nose or paw, sit next to someone you want your dog to get to know. Allow your dog to sit on the side opposite the scary person and have him practice touch with you. Keep the sessions short and allow your dog to escape when he gets too nervous. This is a really difficult skill to learn, so sessions shouldn't be any longer than a few minutes. Give lots of treats!

Once your dog can do this easily, start the next session the same way, but have the strangers hand touching yours. Your dog will still be touching your hand, but your hand will be connected to the stranger. Again, keep sessions only a few minutes and reward with your dog's favorite treats.

When your dog is comfortable at this level, allow the stranger to put his/her hand on top of yours so your dog is actually touching the stranger's hand. Treats and commands still come from you.

After your dog can comfortably excel at this level, move your dog into the sit position in front of you rather than beside you. This will move him closer to the stranger, so if he isn't quite ready yet, slow down. Move back to step one where your dog touches your hand, not the stranger's. Continue at this level until your dog is comfortable and then add the stranger's hand again, first underneath yours, then ontop of yours. Commands and treats still come from you.

Once your dog has successfully touched the stranger's hand ontop of yours sitting in front of him/her, you're ready to repeat all of the steps but with the stranger giving the commands and treats. So begin with your dog sitting at your side, touching your hand, but when commanded by the stranger, who will then give the treat. Work through all of the steps again (this may move more quickly than the first time) before letting your dog interact with just the stranger. If your dog ever gets frightened, you're moving too quickly.

Only once your dog can interact with the stranger happily in this way can the stranger ever try to pet your dog. And remember, not over the head! Encourage the stranger to pet the chest or sides of your dog first.

I know you're all afraid of me, but if anyone wants to work through these steps with me, let my mom know. She's always looking for me to make new friends. I, on the other hand, would prefer if you all would just leave me alone. (And take Chubbs with you!)

Love, Muggsy