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My dog has anxiety around strangers. How can I help his fear?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Male | neutered | 11 months and 24 days old | 18.8 lbs

Pepe has become... or I am just noticing an anxious dog. He is what I found online a “DINOS” dog. However, seems to be mostly with people/strangers. He goes to daycare 3 days weekly, so appears okay with most dogs. Are there any resources you can point me too? DINOS WEBSITE seems to be mostly for dog-dog anxiousness. He was to be a therapy dog with me to visit rehabs.... thinking that is a no go at this point. That is okay, I want to do what is best for Pepe. We are in traditional training c

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Sara Farmer, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on July 27th, 2018

The ASPCA website has some good information on the different types of aggression in dogs: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/common-dog-behavior-issues/aggression It sounds like you're already on the right track with some behavioral training. You may want to ask your veterinarian if there are any behaviorists they would recommend to work with you specifically on the fear of strangers issue. At his age, as long as he isn't showing aggression at home towards family members I would think you could have good success with a behavior modification program but it will take work. You will be most successful if you can work one on one with a behaviorist who has experience with fearful dogs. I wouldn't even completely rule out that Pepe could be a therapy dog some time in the future. Good luck to you and Pepe - he's lucky to have a dedicated owner!

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