Have you ever struggled with introducing your dog to new people? Does your furry friend become overly excited or even aggressive when meeting someone new? Well, fear not! We have the ultimate solution to help you and your dog navigate these situations with ease.
The Power of the Cookie
As soon as the person comes in contact with your dog, have them “magnetize” the dog with a delicious cookie held at the dog’s head level. The key is to keep the dog’s focus on the cookie! If your dog tends to be mouthy, keep the back of your hand towards them while making a fist with the cookie inside.
The magic of the cookie lies in its ability to redirect your dog’s focus and energy from the person’s face to the food. This dual effect allows your dog to practice being calm near a new person, while also diverting their attention towards the hands holding the treat.
The Neutral Helper
It’s crucial for the new person to remain relatively neutral and casual during this process. A silent helper is often better for most dogs. The goal is for your dog to become comfortable with the person’s presence and practice self-control in their presence.
Remember, the dog is not actually getting the cookie. Some dogs may catch on to this and attempt to leap towards the person’s face. If that happens, make the cookie more active, keeping the dog focused on it for a bit longer. The helper must work diligently to keep the dog’s attention on the cookie and prevent any contact with their face.
If the dog is on a leash, make sure there is no tension. We want the dog to operate on their own and demonstrate self-control without any external constraints.
Encouraging Engagement
At some point, your dog may turn back to you as the handler. The instant this happens, reward them with a cookie and praise. Then, verbally cue and encourage your dog to return to the new person, where the process is repeated. As your dog becomes less interested in engaging with the new person, it’s time for a quiet personal interaction. Still, the new person should not offer any cookies, ideally opting for a low-key greeting.
If your dog shows no interest in turning back to you, you can make small sounds or use another cookie to lure them back and then repeat the process. Most dogs quickly learn to turn back to the handler, especially if they have been taught a re-orienting behavior.
The End Result
After several episodes of this controlled introduction, your goal is to have a dog that approaches new people on a loose leash, focused on their hands rather than their face. Once your dog has quickly sniffed the stranger’s hands, they should naturally turn back to you for a treat.
With time, you’ll notice that the new person no longer needs a cookie. Simply holding out their hands as if they had one is enough to cue your dog to turn back to you after investigating their empty hands. As success allows your dog to remain calm and in control, they will learn that being near people doesn’t mean losing control—a fantastic achievement!
Now you have the secret to introducing your dog to new people in a calm and controlled manner. Remember to be patient, consistent, and use the power of the cookie to guide your furry friend through this process. Your dog will soon become a master of social interactions, making your outings stress-free and enjoyable for everyone involved.
To discover more expert tips and advice, visit HOT NEWS DAY.
