Why is my golden retriever so scared of new people and how to help?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Golden Retriever | Female | spayed | 6 months and 24 days old | 56 lbs
My female golden bailey is very very scared around new people we try to socialize her as much as we can but she seems sooo terrified.this problem needs to be solved as fast as possible please!
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on November 20th, 2017
There is no rapid solution here i am afraid, but time and patience spent socializing her will eventually help. Puppy socialization classes and walking regularly in areas which are busy but where she will not feel pressured by direct contact such as parks can help. Take treats to help distract her and consider a thundershirt and calming supplements such as kalm aid to help with anxiety
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on May 22nd, 2018
Poor Bailey! It sounds like she's quite fearful of strangers and doesn't enjoy having them pet her. This is something you can definitely work on, but since she's older and her fear is already firmly entrenched, this will be more complicated than simply "socializing" her around people. I would recommend getting in touch with a veterinary behaviorist or a good reward-based trainer who can evaluate her in person and help you put together a training plan. In general, treatment for fear issues like this involves teaching the dog to associate treats and other fun things with seeing people. She should never be forced to interact with strangers if she isn't comfortable, so I would stop taking her into stores and other places where people are likely to approach and try to pet her. Instead, you can try standing at a distance from people (perhaps at the park, or the parking lot of a grocery store, or somewhere else with a steady stream of people passing by) where she is comfortable. Praise and reward her with a treat every time she sees someone. Gradually, over time, you can move closer as long as she's happy and relaxed. You can search for a veterinary behaviorist in your area here: www.dacvb.org , or a qualified trainer here: www.ccpdt.org
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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