How Can We Help?

You are here:
Print

> 10 – Fear of Strangers

10. Fear of Strangers

Definition Absent Very Mild Mild Moderate Severe
Fearful, nervous, apprehensive with strangers, cautious, avoidant, hackling, slow approach, keying in, barking, growling, escape
  • Shows no signs of fear or suspicion of unfamiliar people; comfortable around strangers regardless of strange appearance or behavior
  • Slightly cautious when approached by or moving past isolated unfamiliar people
  • When approached,
    Signs may include:

    1. turning head away looking in other direction and/or leaning body away slightly.
  • When moving past,
    Signs may include:

    1. watching person and/or slightly slowing down.
  • Quickly recovers however may need a little verbal encouragement from handler
  • Mildly cautious when approached by or moving past isolated unfamiliar people
  • When approached,
    Signs may include:

    1. moving body away to avoid
    2. slight compression of body
  • When moving past,
    Signs may include:

    1. mild slowing down
    2. mild focus on person
    3. mild hackling and/or mild compression of the body
  • Quickly recovers once past the person however may need support and encouragement from the handler
  • Moderately cautious when approached by or moving past isolated unfamiliar people.
  • When approached,
    Signs may include:

    1. low body posture
    2. moderately pulling back to avoid contact
    3. moderate raised hackles and/or may vocalize.
  • When moving past,
    Signs may include:

    1. moderately slowing down and/or hesitancy to pass by
    2. moderate focus on person
    3. moderate raised hackles, vocalization
    4. moderate compression of the body.
  • Slower to recover even with support from the handler.
  • Very cautious when approached by or moving past isolated unfamiliar people.
  • When approached,
    Signs may include:

    1. dilated eyes
    2. very raised hackles
    3. trembling
    4. vocalizing
    5. retreat and/or escape.
    6. may become aggressive in a situation where it can’t easily escape (‘cornered’).
    7. is unable to work past person
    8. may vocalize and/or severe compression of the body.
  • Very slow to recover even with support from the handler
Video Examples
GDBart Adult Dog Test
Walk & Talks
Puppy Test