Classically Condition Your Dog to Love People

Let's classically condition your dog to enjoy the presence of other people, especially children, men, and strangers. Start at home with the people who live in your house, then with any people that might come over, including friends, family, and neighbors. Make an extra effort to recruit as many children and men as possible. Have each person start by luring your dog to Sit for a piece of kibble. Then have the person lure your dog to Come and Sit for a piece of kibble. Repeat half a dozen times. If your dog eagerly approaches and sits without any signs of fearfulness, then this person can start handling your dog, hand-feeding kibble as they go. 

Once your dog has learned to like all of your family and friends in the comfort and safety of your home, ask each person to bring a friend to the next session. This way you can introduce your dog to new people, also known as "strangers" in your home, and you can be sure these strangers know how to act around your dog. 

After a couple of sessions with your friends, it's time to take a walk. Have your guests space out and walk clockwise around the block while you walk your dog counter-clockwise. Each time your dog sees a person approaching, take your dog through the routine of meeting a stranger: Ask your dog to Sit-Say, and then say "Excuse me, I'm trying to build my dog's confidence, would you mind offering my dog a treat?" Your friend will say "Yes" at which point you instruct your dog, to "Say Hello" and your friend calls your dog to come and sit and then offers several pieces of kibble while stroking the top of your dog's head or scratching behind their ears. Then on to the next "stranger". If you can manage 5 laps with 10 people, that would be 50 greetings!

Now it's time for the big wide world. Sit with your dog on a bench and watch the world go by. It's great if you can find a place near a crowded area, or near a playground with lots of children, or near a basketball court with lots of men, or near a construction area, fire station, hospital or post office where there will be people in uniform or people carrying interesting items.

Praise and reward your dog periodically and especially if anybody walks by. Should anybody want to pet your dog, instruct your dog to Sit-Stay then explain to the person that your dog is a bit shy, so would they mind standing still and then calling your dog to come and sit, and then offering several food treats before they pet your dog. Then give the person some kibble and tell your dog "Say Hello." Your dog has already practiced this game with people they know and so, they will probably reflexively approach and sit.

Give your dog plenty of time to sit and watch the world go by and to happily greet the occasional dog-friendly person. Your dog will learn to relax and love people and be much less likely to feel anxious meeting other people in the future.