Respectfully, I slightly disagree with the above response. If he's freaking out that badly, he's over his threshold, he's not going to be able to process any inforation, he'll just shut down.
What I would do is take a more gradual approach. When he first sees someone coming (or better yet, if you see someone coming before he does), start feeding him treats right then, before he has a chance to freak out. Keep feeding him as the other person approaches and passes- as long as he's not freaking out. The minute he starts to spaz, remove him from the situation. Seriously, if he's that scared, forcing him into that situation is very bad for him.
I agree with the concept of getting him to associate strangers with treats and good things, but you have to do it before he gets that scared. Once you've gotten him to the point where one or two approaching and passing strangers doesn't freak him out, move up to small groups of people, then larger and larger.
And no, I don't think it's too late. The *ideal* time for socialization has passed, but it's never too late to help him be more comfortable. (it's one of those catch 22's- if you socialize him during the optimal time for it, you're risking his health, if you don't, your risking his social understanding)
Also, some dogs never really get to be super social and friendly with strangers, so don't worry that you have to get him to be excited and happy about meeting new people. Just having him not be terrified and anxious is good. :D
We do that, and so long as he's in the house, he's fine. It's outdoors that really scares him. We were just getting comfortable walking around the block, but as soon as he sees another person, he reacts too strongly to control.
(Belatedly notices that you said that in the post.) It's been forever since I've had a dog, so I'm not very helpful. We have cats, and you know how cats are. :S
He's a real cutie, though. I want to scritch his floppy little ears.
This is the method I would recommend. I'm a dog trainer at petsmart, and I've had to work with puppies that do this. It teaches them that new people mean they get treats! If he gets even a little nervous though, take him away.
What I would do is take a more gradual approach. When he first sees someone coming (or better yet, if you see someone coming before he does), start feeding him treats right then, before he has a chance to freak out. Keep feeding him as the other person approaches and passes- as long as he's not freaking out. The minute he starts to spaz, remove him from the situation. Seriously, if he's that scared, forcing him into that situation is very bad for him.
I agree with the concept of getting him to associate strangers with treats and good things, but you have to do it before he gets that scared. Once you've gotten him to the point where one or two approaching and passing strangers doesn't freak him out, move up to small groups of people, then larger and larger.
And no, I don't think it's too late. The *ideal* time for socialization has passed, but it's never too late to help him be more comfortable. (it's one of those catch 22's- if you socialize him during the optimal time for it, you're risking his health, if you don't, your risking his social understanding)
Also, some dogs never really get to be super social and friendly with strangers, so don't worry that you have to get him to be excited and happy about meeting new people. Just having him not be terrified and anxious is good. :D
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He's a real cutie, though. I want to scritch his floppy little ears.
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