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<\/p>\nSome dogs are happy-go-lucky extroverts who are best friends with every dog, cat, human, squirrel and turtle they come across. Other dogs just don\u2019t like other dogs, animals or people. At least, that\u2019s what is seems like.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s doubtful that these dogs \u201cdislike\u201d someone; they are probably antisocial because they are fearful or anxious about meeting new people and pets. Sometimes their anxiety leads to physical displays of fear, and even aggression, which can be dangerous for both the antisocial dog and the people or pets around them.<\/p>\n
If your dog is scared of\u2026 everyone\u2026 here are some tips to help them come out of their shell (face that turtle) and hopefully, over time, make some animal and human friends.<\/p>\n
Antisocial dogs can be shy, fearful or reactive toward other dogs, animals and people. They may also try to avoid people or dogs who aren\u2019t familiar to them (e.g., by cowering behind you), and show signs of stress when experiencing new things. Sometimes their fear is so severe that they enter defense mode and become aggressive. Other times, they submit completely by rolling over and showing their belly.<\/p>\n
Even if your dog stays at home most of the time, it\u2019s a good idea to try to correct their antisocial behavior. You want them to be happy and relaxed when friends and family visit (not hiding under the table), and you still need to take them out of the house occasionally (e.g., to their veterinary appointments).<\/p>\n
It\u2019s important to recognize when your dog is uncomfortable around people, pets or places so you can remove them from the situation. Some of the signs of fearful or stressed behavior in dogs are below. We\u2019ve also included some aggression signs because they could become scared enough to become defensive (aggressive).<\/p>\n
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Dogs typically develop antisocial behavior due to a lack of proper socialization as a puppy<\/a>. The most effective time to socialize a dog is when they\u2019re between three weeks and four months of age. Adequate socialization as a puppy helps them learn to cope with new situations, animals and people as an adult. But it\u2019s never too late to socialize your dog. If you adopted your dog when they were an adult, you can still work on socializing them and helping them to overcome their fears or anxiety about new situations.<\/p>\n Whether you\u2019re socializing a puppy or an adult dog, it\u2019s important to let your dog set the pace. It may take multiple attempts and progress may be slow, but it\u2019s worth sticking with it to have a happier, more relaxed dog in the end.<\/p>\n To introduce your dog to a new canine companion, choose a quiet place that\u2019s neutral territory for both dogs. The new puppy pal you\u2019re introducing should be a friendly, calm dog that\u2019s up-to-date on their vaccinations. Their pet parent should also be available to help supervise the play date.<\/p>\n Keep both dogs on their leashes and slowly walk them toward each other. Make sure you and your guests are happy and calm and you\u2019re using lots of positive reinforcement when your dog is showing friendly not fearful behavior. Keep your sessions short, and if your dog becomes stressed, move back or end the session.<\/p>\n Use a similar process for introducing your dog to new people. Ask a friend to sit on a chair and slowly walk toward them with your dog on their leash. Keep giving your dog positive encouragement when they don\u2019t show fearful behavior. If they start showing fear, step back or try again later. If they make great progress over time and allow your friend to pet them, try doing the same thing with new people.<\/p>\n If your dog is doing well with their one-on-one human and canine sessions, you can try taking them out to areas with a few people around or dogs walking by on leashes. Avoid going to crowded areas: these can be overwhelming for even the most social dog. If you meet people along the way, make sure you ask them to let your dog make the first move \u2014 don\u2019t let them rush up to your dog and give them a big hug.<\/p>\nSlow Introductions to New Dogs and People<\/h2>\n
Avoid the Dog Park but Consider Doggy Day Care<\/h2>\n