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Why is my dog nervous of visitors?
Written by Adaptil, published on April 18, 2023
How to help your dog to cope with visitors
- Leave a sign outside and a pot of treats for visitors to give your dogs when they come in, if safe to do so. Your dog could soon learn that visitors arriving is a great thing, as I get rewards! Tell all guests this before they arrive and after a few minutes or after a while if your dog is still being calm and relaxed then you can allow your visitors to throw your dog treats.
- Ask guests to ignore your dog completely, this includes no petting, talking, looking at or treats. Your dog can get fearful if the visitors come straight in and to them. Ask your visitor to only interact with your dog when your dog has gone to them or when you are all sitting down after a while and the dog looks calm. Do not allow your visitors to follow or pursue your dog, if your dog is trying to get away or hide or in their safe haven.
- Don't force your nervous dog to stay too close to the source of fear and do NOT punish your dog if they bark or shake, this will only make your dog more distressed. Mild and positive exposure is best, your dog will then learn over time that there is nothing to be afraid of.

Following our expert tips will help to ensure your bond with your dog goes from strength to strength.
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