AboutPatti Expertise To date, I've owned 7 dogs, all of which have lived into old age.
Having cared for them in all stages of life, I feel I can offer sound advice to other pet owners, and people considering getting a dog.
I am knowledgeable about the AKC (American Kennel Club) dog breeds, training and exercise, caring for sick and elderly pets, feeding, as well as many holistic treatments pets can benefit from.
My only request is that you write me using standard English and punctuation.
Experience My life experience in this field is more like "on the job training" rather than an actual degree in animal welfare. You may benefit from my experiences over the past 30 years.
Aside from the dogs I've owned, I'm also involved in "breed rescue" and have fostered several dogs, all of which have been adopted to wonderful "forever homes".
I find helping people who want a dog very rewarding.
I have had my 5 year old male basset for about 7 months now. Before I had him, he was physically abused and was severely underweight. He was an outdoor pet on a farm, and he really loves to walk and be outside, so I do this as much as possible. He is a very pleasant pet 99% of the time. He is walked for about 1.5 hours a day, 2 long walks and a few more potty breaks. Originally on walks, he would howl and lunge at cars, bikes, and golf carts. I have stopped this behavior by carrying meat and having him sit and down while these pass. Now he doesn't react to these vehicles at all.
However, he is still very afraid of people who approach us. If the person has a dog, he is happy and kindly sniffs their pet. At this time he also shows no aggression or displeasure at being petted: all attention is on their dog. If the strangers are dog-less, he wants them to stay away. Neighbors and repair people see him, can't resist his pouty face, and want to pet him. and I usually say, "He's afraid of people, but I have a treat you could throw on the ground for him." Sometimes he's happy to eat it and likes the person a lot. I try to stand there and chat for a minute or two so he sees we're "friends." Often times this works and he'll lay in the grass and keep eating treats off the ground from the stranger. Other times he howls and scares them away immediately. In obedience class at a local pet store he has been a pro at all commands, except this "say hello." Is there a way to have strangers approach that wouldn't scare him? Or is there something I could say to people to avoid offending them when I say he doesn't like to be petted? I want him to get more used to strangers without scaring anyone.
Many thanks,
Melinda
Answer
Hi Melinda,
Do you think your dog acts the way he does towards strangers because he's territorial, or because he's shy? The process of desensitizing a dog to whatever it fears is time consuming, but it can be done with plenty of patience.
If your dog is afraid of people begin to expose him to people (or anything else your dog fears), in very small doses at first. Increase exposure only as your dog becomes more comfortable. Take your dog for a walk past a school or park or other area where people are present. To keep his mind from focusing on the people, ask him to sit, or lay down; as long as he is focusing on you and the rewards for his good behavior, his mind cannot be consumed with fear. It is extremely important to remain upbeat and positive during these training sessions, as your dog will feed off of your mood. You can correct your dog for not obeying a command, but do not punish for fearful behavior, as this will only increase anxiety. Continue the socialization with small steps forward, introducing your dog to more and more people over time. Socialization is a life long process; the learning never ends for your dog!
Eventually, you will begin to see your dog relax in different environments and situations as he learns that you will keep him safe. When your dog is scared of strangers, it is usually a sign of low confidence.
Read more about desensitizing your dog to strangers here:
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