Why Does My Dog Hate Strangers

Pick Apart Pups' Play Partner Pickiness

November 16, 2010

While some dogs greet every human as a new best friend, others are more particular. Several factors go into a pup's choosing process so if you see a dog hesitating to play with any new two-legged pals, ask yourself the following questions:

Has he met this person before? A brand-new face can require some adjustment — see if the dog shows any interest in the human before playing begins to gauge how easily the action will start.
Does he like this game? If someone is holding out a pet's favorite toy, or if your canine can't get enough of catch, chances are he'll be down to play equally with anyone in sight!

Get the rest when you read more.

What's his normal activity level?: Traditionally puppies (and certain breeds) are more excitable to begin with. If your pup's reticent or rowdy when you're 1:1, he'll likely exhibit similar behaviors with newcomers.

How often is he engaged?: Since dogs read our nonverbal communication, there's a chance that a dog is not able to read the new friend's playful gesture if he rarely gets playtime with you. However, if the dog and owner have a solid routine of fun, it's easier for the pooch to catch on when someone else wants to play, too!

Source: Thinkstock

Dogs Outdoors

2 Comments

Lovely_1 2 years 26 weeks

I had a new person grab one of my girl's collars once and she freaked out and now she NEVER lets a new person touch her until she is ready. If they try to push her she huffs and growls. My other dog is complety fine with strangers tho...unless she is guarding!

2 years 26 weeks

I apopted my dog from a shelter earlier this year. He is very shy, and also very unique looking so he gets lots of attention from strangers. Sometimes he is happy with the attention but most of the time he is very timid. A trainer suggested always bringing treats on our walks so anytime a stranger does wants to pet him I place a treat in their hand first. This way new person = treat. He won't always take the treat from the person's hand but it is helping his shyness.

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