Treats Ease Fear
Some dogs fear certain kinds of people—men, kids, people in hats, uniforms, snow gear, or black clothing. Let your dog discover that these “scary” folks often carry treats!
Gentle Introductions
Have a potentially “scary” person hold some treats.
That person should crouch down and turn away, then quietly place the treats on the ground.
Building Trust
After a few successful tries, see if the dog can take treats directly from the stranger’s hand.
Next, let the dog face the stranger. The stranger can offer more treats without making eye contact. Then stand up and keep offering kibble.
Rapid Trust-Building
The more your dog gets treats from strangers, the faster it learns to trust. Always bring treats when you go out so you can continue this training anytime.
