Does your pet experience stranger danger?

First, let’s define it. Simply put, stranger danger is a fear of the unfamiliar.

It may bring you peace of mind knowing that no, your dog or cat is NOT “crazy” or “too sensitive” or “irreparably aggressive.”
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Stranger danger is actually quite common! It can happen IN and OUT of the home, and can display as fight (growl, scratch, bite) or flight (cower, whimper, hide). Here’s a few scenarios to consider that might sound very familiar:

• nonstop bark at anyone that enters your home (i.e. a friend, repair or maintenance person, etc.)
• pant and pace when a new person is in their territory
• bark and lunge as someone walks towards or near them
• immediately hide in a secure spot (i.e. under bed or couch)

Your pet may act fearful due to any number of reasons, including:

• lack of socialization (remember that worldwide pandemic and lockdown?)
• history of abuse
• genetics
• physical ailment

Because it’s so common, this is a topic I’m always learning about in an effort to actively work with my human clients and build stronger relationships with their furry ones.
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This is where the Meet & Greet consultation comes in…it’s a pivotal part of my client onboarding process because, among other benefits, it’s a chance for me to evaluate:

1. IF the pet experiences stranger danger
2. HOW they react to it
3. WHAT we can do to help

One step further, sometimes I’ll suggest we schedule a practice walk or visit (with or without the pet parent present), especially before overnights, to ensure we’re all as comfortable as possible!

Now let’s talk about the good stuff: WHAT we can do to help. If you know your pet has stranger danger, next time try one of these…

1. Talk to your vet to rule out any physical ailment that may be causing the discomfort and reaction
2. If appropriate, prep the stranger by explaining how your pet reacts and why; ask them to ignore your pet; avoid direct eye contact and touching; and move slowly around them
3. Set up a quiet room or crate where your pet has the option to retreat to and can be left alone, unbothered indefinitely until or if they are ready to come out
4. For safety, use a gate or other barrier so your pet can observe the stranger without making physical contact
5. Use calming remedies such as a ThunderShirt, spray essential oils on the stranger and/or room, or spray doggy pheromones (careful with these oils and sprays around cats as they can be particularly sensitive to them)
6. During the meeting, give your pet a loved item (i.e. favorite food or special toy) as a distraction and to show them they are safe (BONUS: eventually, the stranger can directly offer the loved item)
7. Keep the meetings short & sweet and wait a few days between visits, especially with new people
8. Work 1-on-1 with a trainer and/or behaviorist to establish a customized plan of action. Below are a few incredible resources I’ve followed for years on Instagram that have taught me so much and have inspired me to follow a similar path:
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   🐱 Cat School, OmniCat Behavior​
   🐶 JW Dog Training, Confident Mutts, ThunderDogz, DogMinded, Jack & Jill Dog Training​

Stay Comfy,

Tanya