If your dog is naturally shy , or has had a traumatic past that makes it fearful of other humans , socializing and training them can dramatically help their weariness around new people . Though difficult , practicing and perfecting interactions with new people will make it easier when you ’ re out in the world with your dog , or even just having visitors over .
Creating a Safe Space Socializing and training your pets becomes especially important if you want them to greet guests calmly . Both socialization and training should start early and first be practiced in situations without guests ; this includes introducing pets to their safe spaces . Everyone needs to get away sometimes , your pets included . By providing a safe place , your animal can escape when needed and will become more confident when confronted with stressful situations . This can be a crate or bed for your dog , a room , hiding places such as a carrier , or litter box . When creating a safe place , it should be comfortable for your animal , easily accessible , and quiet .
You want to occasionally feed your animals in this space , reward them when they are resting there , and avoid using the safe space as a play area . This helps them to associate the safe place with calmness and relaxation . Have a consistent , verbal word to call them to their safe spaces . Be it “ Go to crate ,” or “ Go to bed ,” you want something simple you can say to your pet that will clearly communicate the expected behavior .
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Expose them to as much as possible Taking your dog out for a public walk will help him grow more comfortable with the world and people around him . From cars driving down the street to the mailman , the world becomes a little bit less scary once you have been around the block a time or two .
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