Calming a nervous dog around unfamiliar people? Follow this easy, trainer-recommended trick.
## Helping Shy Dogs Feel Comfortable Around New People: The Mission Pawsitive Approach
Melissa Goodman, a certified dog trainer from Mission Pawsitive, has shared valuable insights on helping dogs who are wary of new people. Goodman's methods, demonstrated with a rescue dog named Beans, focus on making the dog feel more comfortable without causing undue stress.
One of Goodman's key strategies is using food as a tool to build trust. She tosses treats to Beans as they walk back, teaching the dog that good things come from her without pressure to interact physically. This approach helps Beans associate positive experiences with new people, making her more likely to approach them in the future.
Goodman advises against handing treats directly to nervous dogs, as it can put pressure on them. Instead, she suggests tossing food to avoid any potential discomfort.
Another important aspect of Goodman's approach is taking the pressure off the dog. Pushing a dog who is unsure about strangers can lead to increased anxiety. By allowing the dog to approach at their own pace, Goodman creates a safe and comfortable environment for them.
Meeting dogs who are scared of new people outside is also recommended. This neutral location can help the dog feel more secure, and encounters with passersby can be managed safely with a leash. The goal is to show the dog that other people respect their space and that good things can happen when they meet new people.
Pupford Beef Liver Training Freeze-Dried Dog Treats were given to a tester for his dog Hayes to try. According to the tester, the treats are Hayes' new favourite and are a suitable size for training. Hayes, who would eat the whole bag if allowed, found the treats to be a positive reinforcement in his training sessions.
For owners of shy or wary dogs, Goodman's approach can be a valuable resource. By following her guidelines, which include gradual exposure, choosing a neutral environment, using calming signals, engaging in calm interactions, impulse control and training, and desensitizing the dog to new stimuli, you can help your dog become more comfortable around new people.
Remember, patience and consistency are key when working with nervous dogs. If your dog exhibits reactive behavior around strangers, you might find this article helpful: [Owning a reactive dog is hard. Here's how I navigated the social challenges with my pooch.](https://www.example.com/reactive-dog-social-challenges).
When encountering Beans, Goodman's approach paid off. Beans started to check out Goodman on her own instead of running away, demonstrating that with patience and understanding, even the most timid dogs can learn to trust new people.
- Goodman's method of using food to build trust with dogs, demonstrated with a rescue dog named Beans, involves tossing treats to them while they walk back, teaching them that good things come from new people without causing stress.
- Goodman advises against handing treats directly to nervous dogs, as it can put pressure on them, and instead suggests tossing food to avoid any potential discomfort.
- Another important aspect of Goodman's approach is taking the pressure off the dog by allowing them to approach new people at their own pace, creating a safe and comfortable environment for them.
- Meeting dogs who are scared of new people outside in a neutral location can help them feel more secure, and encounters with passersby can be managed safely with a leash, showing the dog that other people respect their space and that good things can happen when they meet new people.
- Pupford Beef Liver Training Freeze-Dried Dog Treats were found to be a positive reinforcement for a dog named Hayes during his training sessions, and an appropriate size for training, according to a tester.
