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October 27, 2014

My dog is fearful of people he doesn't know and today a stranger reached out towards my dog and he snapped at the guy. Should I have walked away sooner?

Full Question:

Hello,

I have a year old while German shepherd dog. I got him as a 9 week old pup. We also have an adult Beagle, and 2 cats. Sax GSD gets along with everyone in the home. He is extremely loving and playful and has lots of energy. He has not been neutered yet but we do plan to do that this month.

He has always been fearful of strangers out side the home. If someone comes into the home he is better after he gets to know them. However, when we are walking it is hard to go a block before someone what's to pet him. He is a very beautiful while shepherd and people like that. I ask folks to please not try to pet him, but some people do anyway and he barks at them and this hair stands on end. Today I was talking with some folks at the corner and one guy asked if he could pet him. I said it would be better if you let him come to you. But the guy kept reaching out to pet him anyway until Sax snapped at him. I want to know if I am handling this right. Should I have walked away sooner?

Thanks.

Cindy's Answer:

You may want to read the following resources. I don't allow anyone I don't know and trust to approach or interact with my dogs, even if they don't have fear issues.

I would recommend our article on Socializing Puppies. I would also recommend watching this 3 part video on fear periods in dogs and how to condition them to things that make them nervous.
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3

You may want to consider getting a vest for him to wear when you take him out. One that says "In Training." Here is one of the vests I use for my own dog, you can get different patches for them.

I've found that it's easier to get people to leave my own dogs alone when they are wearing this. You also need to be an advocate for your dog and stop people before they get too close. If you need to be firm or forceful, do so. Your dog needs you to make sure he feels safe.

Cindy Rhodes

User Response:

Dear Cindy,

Thank you so much for your response. At least now I will not feel so guilty when I tell people not to touch my dog. Somewhere along the line I was told that dogs should accept people no matter what or the dog is at fault, and I believed that. I am defiantly going to get a vest for him. I think I have a lot of retraining to do in order to get Sax to be comfortable and focused on me. We have an excellent relationship so I am hoping this will help.

Thanks again.

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