Stranger Anxiety: 3 Simple tips to help your dog

Is your dog suffering from stranger anxiety?

Anxiety is our dogs is more common than many realize. In fact, 1 in 3 dogs suffers from some type of anxiety. Anything from storm anxiety to separation anxiety, our pets get nervous just like their people. One of the most complicated forms of anxiety is stranger anxiety. As much as we love our pets, it can be really disruptive to our lives if we can’t have visitors in our own homes. This can be especially challenging around the holidays when your home is filled with new smells and faces.

Before you contact the behaviorist, there are a few tips you can try to ease your dog’s stranger anxiety. Of course, if you are concerned your dog will bite someone, DO NOT put yourself, your dog or your visitors at risk! Make sure you never force your dogs into a situation that puts them in fear as it can lead to more serious reactions. Let’s look at some tips to help with stranger anxiety.

Provide a safe space for the dog

In my Blog about Halloween Safety, I talk about how important it is to have a safe space for your dog to decompress. If your pet suffers from stranger anxiety, it is important for you to provide your dog a place where they can get away from anything they feel threatened by, including strangers. This could be a crate in the laundry room or bed room or anything that allows them space to feel protected.

Your dog needs a space that they won’t be disturbed by visiting strangers. Make sure it is a place that can be closed off so you dog can not leave unless you feel comfortable. On the other hand, make sure that visitors agree to stay out of this space. Turning on a TV or Radio can help alleviate some of the anxiety by providing some white noise.

While in this space, it might be a good time to provide them something to help them relax. It’s a good idea to invest in a natural supplement to help with anxiety! Chillax with CBD or with Hemp is a great product to curb anxiety naturally to help them relax.

Communicate with your visitors

The best way to help your dog is to limit disruptions to their routine as much as possible. For some dogs, providing a natural anxiety supplement can be helpful in having a successful encounter with a stranger. Make sure you provide this to your dog at least an hour before the arrival of your guests.  Chillax with CBD or with Hemp is a great product to curb anxiety naturally to help them relax.

If you know your dog is reactive to knocks at the door or strange voices, ask your guests to text you when they arrive rather than to ring the doorbell. Be up front with your guest about your dog’s anxiety and let them know the process you will follow during the visit.

If you are comfortable that your dog will not try to bite your visitors, use a leash during the introduction but let guests know not to approach your dog. Only allow your dog to approach strangers if they are comfortable, it should never be the other way around. Be vigilant about watching your dog’s body language, if the dog is stressed, skip the introductions and let your dog go to their safe space. If your dog does well with the introduction make sure to provide praise and treats as a positive reward.

The best advice is to ask your guest to ignore your dog. If there are no concerns of aggression or biting, ask your guest to pretend the dog is not in the room. This allows the dog to approach the stranger only if they are comfortable.

By being up front with your guest, you are less likely to end up with a stressed guest and dog. As mentioned before, if you have concerns that your dog will bite your guests, I would skip the introduction unless you are working with a trained animal behaviorist. Better safe than sorry!

Reward positive interactions

I mentioned praise earlier, but it can not be stressed enough. Anytime your dog has a positive interaction with strangers either in your home or out, it is important to reward this good behavior.

Building your dog’s confidence is important when trying to overcome stranger anxiety. Once your dog has a successful interaction of any type, reward them with their favorite toy or treat. Make sure the reward is prompt and followed by lots of praise and love by you! If your dog is not treat motivated, carry their favorite toy and take a minute to play with them.

If you are concerned about giving too many treats or adding too many calories to their diets, try pawTreats. With only 7 calories and 3 natural ingredients, these make the perfect training treats.

If your dog suffers from stranger anxiety when going on walks or leaving the house for any reason, consider a natural anxiety supplement to help them feel at ease. Chillax with CBD or with Hemp is a great product to curb anxiety naturally to help them relax.

With positive socialization and consistency, you may be able to help your pet overcome stranger anxiety!

As always, when in doubt – check with a certified trainer to help you out! Many can help by starting with a consultation over the phone or on Zoom.