Managing a Dog That Is Scared of Strangers

A fearful dog that is pushed into contact does not learn that people are safe. It learns that it cannot escape, and that is how fear becomes aggression.

Never let strangers approach head-on

Ask people to ignore the dog completely — no eye contact, no reaching, no talking to it. Being ignored is what allows a fearful dog to relax.

Work at a distance

Find the distance at which the dog notices a stranger but can still eat. Feed continuously while the person is visible, stop when they leave. Reduce distance over weeks.

Let the dog choose

The dog approaches people, never the reverse. If it approaches and then retreats, that is a success, not a failure.

Do not use the lead to hold it still

Restraint removes the option to retreat and reliably escalates fear into snapping.