Dogs are some of the most popular pets in the world, and for a good reason. They’re loyal, friendly, and make great companions. But if your dog isn’t comfortable around other people, it can be a challenge to have them interact with others. It can be a struggle every time you have friends over, and it is almost impossible to calm your dog down. Then you also have to deal with people who are around feeling uncomfortable around your dog. So to help with that situation and others, this article will give you some advice on making your dog comfortable around people.
Contents
Exposure To People At An Early Age
The best way to make your dog comfortable around other people is to expose them to as many people as you can at an early age. The more exposure, the better. If you have friends over frequently when your dog is young, they will get used to being around people and not feel threatened by their presence. This applies to new people too. If you have a new person over, have them interact with your dog frequently for short periods so that your dog becomes comfortable being around them.
Behavior Modification And Training
If you have a dog who is very shy around people or has other issues causing them to act out, behavior modification and training may be the next step. Behavior modification can help eliminate any bad habits your dog has developed over time while also helping to keep their mind occupied, so they don’t feel threatened by people. Training your dog is a great way to calm them down and make them feel more comfortable around people, especially if they are trained in the ways of obedience.
Take Them To A Dog Park Or Other Public Places
If you think your dog would benefit from being around other people and are comfortable enough to be around others, take them to a public place where there will be lots of other dogs. This may include taking them to a park or other recreational area popular with pooches and their owners or even going to take them to a pet store or other place where there are likely to be many other dogs and lots of people. This can help them associate people with dogs and make them more comfortable when other dogs are not around.
Offer Treats
Another way you can make your dog feel more comfortable around people is by offering them treats whenever they are near one. You can do this with friends, family, anyone who comes over to the house, or even neighbors if you see them outside often. Just show your pup some attention and give them a small treat whenever other people are near you. By doing this, you are letting them know that it is okay to be around people and that they should feel comfortable with socializing whenever possible.
Create A Safe Space In Your Home
If your dog is fearful or anxious around people, you may want to create a safe space in your home where they can go whenever they feel threatened by someone. This safe space could be anywhere, including under the couch, behind a piece of furniture, or inside their crate. Whenever anyone comes over that makes them uncomfortable, they can feel safe in this space. This will help them by giving them a place to escape anxiety for a moment and understand that things are okay, which can make it easier for them to be around others later on down the road.
Do Not Force It
If your dog seems uncomfortable around people, you mustn’t force them to socialize. This can make them feel threatened and will only cause the problem to worsen. Forcing your dog to socialize with others may also lead to other issues down the road, such as biting or even aggression towards people. Keep in mind that when you are trying to help your dog get comfortable around people, the best thing you can do is be patient and give them time to adapt.
Conclusion
Getting your dog comfortable around people can be a lot of work. However, if you address the issue properly and patiently, they will eventually get used to it and be able to go back to living a happy and healthy life. Remember that each dog is different, and some may not feel truly comfortable around people. In those cases, you can still get them more comfortable meeting new people or being around certain people they are not familiar with. If you still feel like it’s an issue, talk to a dog trainer and see what suggestions they may have for you!
