Addressing Stranger Danger in Puppies

In this episode of Pandemic Puppy, Kayla discusses stranger danger in puppies. She covers what it is, why it happens, and what to do about it. Her puppy Niffler has been barking and even growling at strangers lately, so this is high priority for Kayla!

Fearful behavior and a fear period are not the same.
Fear Period: abrupt and transient fear of something your puppy has already been exposed to. These periods can be ignored for the most part. You can comfort your puppy, then move on, and don’t make a big deal about it. 
Continuous fearful behavior, such as stranger danger, needs to be addressed right away. 
Stranger danger is a natural behavior for dogs, especially for certain breeds. It is normal, but it needs to be addressed. 
Don’t correct the puppy or apply any negative reinforcement. It can make the stranger danger worse. 
Don’t flood your puppy
Let the strangers know what's going on, in a happy friendly voice
Don’t make a big deal out of people
Advocate for your puppy, be a safe place/person for them
Look at That/Engage Disengage Game
If your puppy is too far past their threshold, go back a few steps


Links Mentioned in the Episode

Sarah Stremming's Worked Up course


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