Your dog could be your favorite pet However, even if your dog is very affectionate there are some that are afraid of it. It’s been estimated that one-third of adults suffering from animal-related fears suffer from cynophobia. This is the fear that dogs have of them. What can you do in the event that the dog and you meet the person you’re talking to? What can you do to make the person feel more at ease in the pet’s presence?
How do you handle your Dog around People with A Dog Phobia?
Most of the time, proper etiquette with your pet in public areas is the best place to begin in deciding how you will handle your dog when you meet people who are scared of it. There are many ways to be considerate for dog owners to practice when they are out in public with their pets.
Make sure your dog is leashed. Although your pet does have an immediate recall (they will come to you whenever they are called) and you’re in public areas, it’s a good idea to ensure your dog is on and under control with the dog’s leash. Pick a dog leash that’s robust and durable. It should also not be retractable. Dogs that are allowed to run freely, without inhibition, and on the retractable leash toward strangers is not properly controlled. In reality, it’s very difficult to manage a dog that is on a retractable leash. This is because contrary to the name retractable leashes aren’t able to retract unless the dog runs toward the holder of the leash. Because of this, the person who handles them could be using the leash to pull the dog into the holder, which can be stressful both for the pet as well as the person that the dog is walking towards. If your dog is able to maintain a 100% accurate recall as well as being able to move about There are many longer leads that allow the dog some freedom.
Don’t assume that everyone wants to meet your dog. Although your pet likes to meet new people and has a great relationships in a crowd, all (and not all dogs) will be interested in meeting your pet. It’s better to stay in the direction of caution. Consider that animals and humans require their own space but don’t make any demands on them. When someone inquires whether you are able to greet your dog or asks if your pet is able to greet your pet, then let your dog meet them.
Use Specific cues or redirection. If you meet someone with a fear of dogs during walks, you could make use of obedience commands, or cues, that your dog must be aware of. Tell the dog to stay and watch you as the person is walking by. If you have a different way to get where you want to go and if you notice that your pet seems hyper or reactive and isn’t yet able to master a consistent “sit and watch,” you could redirect the dog’s path to go in a different direction.
Bring treats for training. Many dog trainers will advise that you can train your dog at any point of the day, in both the privacy of your home and in public places. Indeed, public spaces are a great way to instruct your dog. The majority of settings where you could use a “sit and watch” or a “leave it” cue will work are noisy, public, and noisy places. Bring a bag of treats for training and perhaps even the clicker in the event that your dog is clicker-trained to reward and reinforce your dog whenever they behave properly in public.
Why would someone not want to meet your dog?
It’s crucial to remember that each and every person is a unique person with their own story. There are many reasons why that someone might be afraid of dogs. Someone who has been previously assaulted by a dog might develop a post-traumatic reaction. Perhaps they’re afraid of the breed of dog they experienced the attack or they’ve generalized their fear of dogs to all breeds whatever breed. Autistic individuals or those with sensory impairments might also be scared of dogs. Certain breeds of dogs, particularly those who are eager to meet new people, can be extremely boisterous and can cause anxiety for people with sensory impairments.
People who are scared and uncomfortable around dogs shouldn’t cause any harm to either you as well as your animal. Maintaining your dog at ease and in control when they are in front of you may not be enough to eliminate their fears however it can allow them to feel at ease enough to pass by your dog or even be in the same place as your dog. It’s up to you to ensure that your pet is acting in a manner that is respectful to the person who has the dog phobia.