Some dogs are carefree extroverts who are best friends with every dog, cat, human, squirrel, and turtle they meet. Other dogs just don’t like other dogs, animals, or people. At least, that’s what seems to be.
It is doubtful that these dogs do not “like” anyone; they are probably antisocial because they are afraid or anxious about meeting new people and pets. Sometimes their anxiety leads to physical manifestations of fear, even aggression, which can be dangerous both for the antisocial dog and for the people or pets around him.
If your dog is scared of…everyone…here are some tips to help him break out of his shell (confront that turtle) and hopefully, over time, make some animal and human friends.
How do you know your dog is antisocial?
Antisocial dogs can be shy, fearful or reactive towards other dogs, animals and people. They may also try to avoid unfamiliar people or dogs (for example, by cowering behind you) and show signs of stress when experiencing new things. Sometimes their fear is so intense that they go into defense mode and become aggressive. Other times they completely submit by rolling over and showing their bellies.
Even if your dog stays home most of the time, it’s a good idea to try to correct his antisocial behavior. You want them to be happy and relaxed when friends and family visit (not hiding under the table), and you still need to take them out of the house every now and then (for example, at their vet appointments).
Possible signs of an antisocial dog
It’s important to recognize when your dog is uncomfortable around people, pets, or places so you can remove them from the situation. Some of the signs of fearful or stressed behavior in dogs are below. We have also included signs of aggression as they might become scared enough to become defensive (aggressive).
Puppy socialization helps prevent antisocial behavior
Dogs typically develop antisocial behavior due to a lack of proper socialization as a puppy. The most effective time to socialize a dog is between three weeks and four months. Proper socialization as a puppy helps them learn to deal with new situations, animals, and people as adults. But it’s never too late to socialize your dog. If you adopted your dog as an adult, you can still work on socializing him and helping him overcome his fears or anxiety about new situations.
Slow introductions to new dogs and people
Whether you’re socializing a puppy or an adult dog, it’s important to let your dog set the tone. It may take several tries and progress may be slow, but it’s worth sticking with for a happier, more relaxed dog in the end.
To introduce your dog to a new canine companion, choose a quiet place that is neutral territory for both dogs. The new puppy you introduce should be friendly, calm and up to date with his vaccinations. Their parent must also be available to help supervise the play date.
Keep both dogs on a leash and slowly lead them towards each other. Make sure you and your guests are happy and calm, and that you use lots of positive reinforcement when your dog shows friendly, non-fearful behavior. Keep your sessions short and if your dog becomes stressed back off or end the session.
Use a similar process to introduce your dog to new people. Ask a friend to sit in a chair and slowly walk towards them with your dog on a leash. Continue to positively encourage your dog when he is not showing fearful behavior. If he starts to get scared, back off or try again later. If they make great progress over time and allow your friend to pet them, try doing the same with new people.
If your dog is doing well with his individual human and canine sessions, you can try taking him to areas with a few people around or walking dogs on a leash. Avoid going to crowded places: these can be overwhelming for even the most social dog. If you encounter people along the way, be sure to ask them to let your dog take the first step – don’t let them rush up to your dog and give him a big hug.
Avoid the dog park, but consider dog daycare
Although we said to venture into places with a few dogs, the dog park is not the best place for an antisocial dog. They can quickly become overwhelmed by all the other dogs that come to play with them. If you want to introduce your dog to a group of dogs, consider a play date or dog daycare instead. A date with dogs with a known health history and demeanor (calm and friendly) is a good start to introducing multiple dogs to an antisocial dog. Once your dog has made some friends, try a dog daycare where there are staff looking after the dogs.
Encouraging your dog to become more social can take weeks or months. It will take patience, lots of encouragement and lots of positive reinforcement. If your dog’s antisocial behavior does not improve or shows signs of aggression, consult your veterinarian, certified trainer, or animal behaviorist for advice.
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