Dogs Are Observant
Since dogs have been domesticated and live with humans, they’ve learned to pick up on subtle changes. When a person is fearful, there are subtle changes that occur that a dog could pick up on. The person could begin sweating, which is something that a dog could smell. The person may also start exhibiting fidgety or otherwise uncomfortable body language, which dogs pick up on easily.
Dogs are very skilled at picking up on a person’s body language and other reactions they might be having due to nervousness, fear, or anxiety. When a dog notices that a person is uncomfortable, the dog may change his own behaviour. You may have noticed this with a sensitive dog and young child.
Dogs May Change Their Approach
Sensitive dogs will often change their behaviour, which in turn makes the person more comfortable. Dogs may calm themselves down and take a gentle approach when approaching a young child or elderly person. A dog may also become extra playful or approach very slowly.
Sometimes, though, dogs can change their approach in a different manner. Some dogs may become nervous or anxious when they sense a nearby person is nervous or anxious. Some dogs may even become aggressive or skittish, and this could even result in barking or growling.
Safe Introductions
Some people have traumatic pasts with dogs that could even include being bitten as a child. It can be overwhelming and scary to meet a new dog, but there are steps you can take to make sure you are safe. These steps will help you remain calm, and in turn, this will help the dog also to feel more comfortable.
Slow Introductions
It’s always best to introduce new people and animals to dogs slowly. New people should always be mindful of a dog’s personal bubble space and allow them that space. New people should never run up to and overwhelm a dog.
You should always make sure that the dog is safe and secure. Ensure that the dog is secure on a leash or behind a baby gate. Always allow the dog to approach the new person on his own terms. This ensures that he isn’t forced to interact with the new person before he’s ready, which could be problematic and result in an increased bite risk.
Non-threatening Body Language
In this article, we’ve already discussed that dogs are very observant of humans’ body language. When approaching a dog, your body language should remain soft. This could include things like turning your body at an angle so you aren’t facing a dog head-on. Don’t stare or make direct eye contact with a dog, which some dogs can find threatening. Don’t reach your hand over a dog’s head to pet them, as many dogs have problems with this.
“Stay” or “Place” Training
“Stay” or “place” training is very useful for dogs, and it especially comes in handy when introducing your dog to new guests entering your house. You can have a dedicated raised dog bed in the main living space. When a guest enters your house, direct your dog to his bed with his favourite treats. Reward him for staying on his bed and being calm. Be mindful that his bed is his own calm space, so no guest should ever approach him when he’s in that space.
Reward Interactions
Anytime your dog has a good interaction with a new person, you should reward him with his favourite treat. Positive reinforcement training techniques such as this help encourage your dog to have a positive emotional response to the new person. In simple terms, the food reward helps to teach your dog that the new person is nothing to be afraid of.
Conclusion
While dogs can’t smell the emotion of fear, they do observe other changes in a fearful person, such as smelling sweat or observing fidgeting, or anxious body language. Many dogs will observe this fearful person and adjust their own approach and behaviour. While most dogs will have a calm and gentle approach, other dogs may actually be put off and become anxious or aggressive.
It’s important to always introduce new people, things, and animals to your dog slowly so that there is no overwhelm. Using positive reinforcement techniques such as “place” training and rewarding new interactions will help your dog become more comfortable with new people quickly. When approaching new dogs, always be mindful of your body language and approach in a way that will help dogs not feel threatened.
