Learning to Deal with Worried Dogs - McCann Professional Dog Trainers

Learning to Deal with Worried Dogs

As humans who love dogs, it’s natural for us to want to fawn over every dog we see, and what dog wouldn’t want petting and snuggles from every human they meet?

LOTS OF THEM!

Not every dog is like a typical Lab or Golden Retriever who wants to be best friends with every person they meet. Those dogs are wonderful and we couldn’t possibly love them more. They bring us love and joy as well as endless smiles. This article isn’t about those dogs.

This article is about the dogs who don’t want to make friends. The introverts of the dog world. The worried or scared dogs, the disinterested dogs and anything in between. These are the dogs who people often approach while insisting, “dogs love me!” STOP! Not every dog wants to say hi. Not every dog enjoys being pet by strangers. To help these dogs, you must learn to read them and ask their owner if it’s ok before you approach. Here are some ideas that could help you help a worried dog through a potential interaction.

Extremely Worried Dogs

Sometimes it’s obvious. When a person approaches an extremely worried dog, they may hide behind their owners or anything else available. They may cry, visibly tremble or urinate. These dogs do not need anyone approaching or trying to force interaction with them. They don’t want to say hi when they are clearly overwhelmed. As much as you might like to make friends and regardless of how much dogs usually love you, you should choose to leave this dog alone. Most of the time, these dogs should not ever have pressure put on them.

Do:

  • Keep your distance to give this dog space
  • Turn sideways
  • Avoid eye contact
  • Allow the dog the opportunity to investigate you on their terms if they choose to
  • At the owners request, offer treats by tossing them towards the dog, but far enough away that the dog can choose to ignore them if they prefer.

Don’t:

  • Do not try to make eye contact or stare at the dog
  • Do not reach in toward the dog
  • Do not approach the dog, especially if there is nowhere for the dog to go
  • Do not try to hand feed the dog

Shy Worried Dogs

Some dogs are a bit shy. When a person approaches, they may back away to avoid contact. This dog may choose to investigate a human on their own terms if there is no pressure put on them. It’s good for them to have positive interactions with people who don’t overwhelm them, so calm interactions following the lead of the dog and taking direction from the owner are best.

worried dog

Do:

  • Turn sideways
  • Give the dog space
  • Get down low if possible (facing away from the dog) or stand up and ignore the dog
  • If the dog is curious and the owner agrees, offer treats by tossing them on the ground or offering them in an open palm, but allow the dog to approach your hand, don’t push your hand toward the dog

Don’t:

  • Don’t try to pet the dog
  • Don’t make direct eye contact
  • Don’t make sudden movements towards or around the dog
  • Don’t make any loud noises

Introverted Dogs

This dog is not worried or shy, but is not interested in being friends either. Not all dogs are excited to be greeted by strangers. Some dogs are “aloof” by nature and while they may not be cowering, they are also not interested in being touched or petted. This dog may investigate you if they choose, but the decision should be theirs to make.

Forcing interaction with any of these dogs could result in making the situation worse by worrying or frightening the dog. Well meaning people often make situations worse by unintentionally forcing the dog into a situation where they feel unsafe. One event learning can stay with the dog for months, years or even life! A poor interaction can set a worried dog back quite a bit. If you love dogs, you may have to do it from a distance for the dog’s sake. Learn how to read basics in body language and always ask before approaching any dog.

Hi! I'm Shannon Viljasoo and I joined the McCann team in 1999 while training Quincey, my wonderful and spirited Rottweiler, to have good listening skills. I'm the Director of Online Training and Content for McCann Professional Dog Trainers and I enjoy writing about dogs and dog training for the McCann blog. I currently share my life with 2 Tollers (Reggie & Ned) and I love helping people develop the best possible relationship with their 4-legged family members.

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