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My GSD puppy barks at strangers, then runs. How to build confidence?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | German Shepherd | Female | unspayed | 6 months and 29 days old

My 7 months old gsd barks at strangers and almost anything strange, but run away when approached by the stranger.. how can I make her confident?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr Stafford, BVetMed, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on May 31st, 2018

The key to giving a dog confidence is good basic training. Get her used to the concept that you are the boss and make her listen to you when you meet strangers. Take her lots of places that she can socialise but ignore her when she is barking and interact with her and the strangers when she is settled. If you are having trouble with socialization I would recommend puppy classes or a dog trainer.

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