Understanding and addressing fear of unfamiliar people in dogs to improve welfare and safety.
Dogs with fear of strangers experience chronic stress when living in human-populated environments, as encounters with unfamiliar people are unavoidable. The condition frequently leads to welfare-compromising responses including social restriction, punishment-based correction, or rehoming. Evidence-based behavior modification through gradual desensitization and counterconditioning addresses root causes, but requires owner commitment and often professional guidance. Breed selection and early socialization practices are the most effective welfare interventions at the population level.