Q&A: How do you get a dog to stop being afraid of people?

If your dog is scared of people, it can be a difficult issue to tackle. Fearful behavior in dogs can lead to aggression, which can be dangerous to both people and your pup. Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to help your pup overcome their fear of people.

The first step is to identify the source of your pup’s fear. Is it a specific person or type of person? Is it a certain situation? Or is it a general fear of people? Once you’ve identified the source, you can start to work on helping your pup become more comfortable with people.

One of the best ways to help your pup is to desensitize them to the source of their fear. This can be done by gradually introducing them to the person or situation in a controlled environment. Start by having the person stand far away, then gradually move them closer. As your pup becomes more comfortable, you can reward them with treats or praise.

Another way to help your pup is to use positive reinforcement. When your pup is around people and behaves calmly, reward them with treats or verbal praise. This will help them associate people with positive experiences, which can help them be less fearful.

Finally, it’s important to be patient with your pup. Fearful behavior can take time to overcome, so don’t expect overnight results. With patience and consistency, you can help your pup learn to trust people again.

Getting a dog to stop being afraid of people can be a challenging task, but it’s not impossible. With the right approach, you can help your pup overcome their fear and build a lasting bond with people.