How to teach appropriate greetings when your dog meets a stranger

It’s common for many dogs to be unsure and wary of new people. Teaching your dog how to appropriately greet a stranger allows for conflict-free introductions to new people and makes the experience less stressful for everyone involved.  

Always begin in a low-distraction environment the dog is comfortable in to help them succeed. 

Here’s what you’ll need 

• Two people – one handler and one greeter  

• 6’ leash  

• Treat pouch, or bag of bite-size treats  

• High value treats or toys (whichever the dog is most motivated by)  

• Clicker (not necessary but can be used) 

Steps: 

1. Have one person with the dog, leash in hand (the “handler”) and the other person (the “greeter”) standing at least 20-25 feet away from the dog (or where the dog is not displaying any signs of fear, anxiety or stress.)  
2. Both the greeter and the handler should have high value treats or toys with them. 
3. Have the greeter walk parallel to the dog. When the dog sees the greeter, the handler is to mark (click or say “yes”) and provide high-value rewards. 
4. Have the greeter then walk out of sight, at which point the handler stops providing the rewards. 
5. Continue steps 1-4 several times, keeping the dog below their fear, anxiety and stress threshold.  
6. When the dog is consistently displaying “happy” or neutral body language when the greeter is in view at a far distance, start to decrease the distance to the greeter by one to two feet at a time. Constantly make sure that the dog is staying below threshold and looking for the mark and rewards from the handler instead of reacting towards the greeter.  
7. Make sure to take short breaks and reset, even if the dog is doing well.  
8. If the dog starts to show signs of fear, anxiety or stress as the distance is decreased, move back at least four feet or until the dog looks back to the handler for the mark and rewards. Continue with steps 1–4 at this distance several times before decreasing the distance again.  
9. Once the dog can be within 6-8 feet of the greeter without an increase in fear, anxiety or stress, the greeter can take over the interaction.  
10. Have the greeter mark (click or “yes”) and then toss rewards towards the dog, away from themselves. If the dog chooses to move back towards the greeter, continue to reward then reset.  
11. Take the dog back to the last distance where they did well and start again.  
12. Continue step 9 several times until the dog starts to look towards the greeter for the mark and rewards.  

Remember, dogs who experience “stranger danger” are unsure of people. Always monitor the dog’s fear, anxiety and stress. The goal is to change their associations from one of fear to a positive one towards new people. We recommend seeking the help of a professional trainer or behaviour consultant if you need help! 

The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society’s Provincial Dog Rehabilitation Program provides individualized training strategies to help the animals in our care become comfortable with their surroundings, identify special care requirements, and to meet their needs.  

If these resources are helpful, please consider donating today.