Sweet or Sour - Depends on WHO he's with

by Becky
(Phoenix, AZ)

Hi, I have a 1yr old JRT mix. I have had him since he was 8weeks old and have done everything I can to socialize him properly.

He is the BIGGEST snuggle-bunny and sweetheart when it comes to family- both extended and immediate, but anybody who is new, he will bark and be extremely defensive around.

I have been trying "positive reinforcement" by having any new people he encounters give him treats and also rewarding him when he settles down (meaning- I tell him to leave it- he will go in the other room and he gets a treat) - but he still has this initial reaction whenever he meets someone new.

How can I get my little guy to accept new people when we are out, or when they visit? I have a 2yr old niece and nephew who (with supervision) give him giant bear hugs and are smothered with kisses- same for anyone else in my family.

Are there any suggestions on how to get him more comfortable with strangers? I've been working with him for a few months now, and while he doesn't get AS worked up as he used to- he still is very shy and/or aggressive of new people when he first meets them.