A management technique to minimize or avoid provoking your dog’s fear.
Fearful behavior in dogs takes a while to treat. During this time, it’s important to avoid increasing your dog’s fear, so she should be kept away from people who frighten her. If possible, avoid taking your dog to places where the two of you might encounter people who scare her. Unfortunately, you might not always be able to avoid people who scare your dog. For example, say your dog fears strangers. You’ll periodically need to take her to the vet, and you’ll probably encounter unfamiliar people at the vet’s office. Likewise, strangers might visit your home—either unannounced or for social gatherings.
Step 1: Maintain Control
Always keep your dog under your control. If you’re away from your home, keep your dog on a leash. If people who frighten your dog visit your home, confine your dog in a crate, in a secure room or behind a baby gate.
Step 2: Keep Distance
Keep your dog as far away as possible from people who scare her. Because she’s afraid, your dog might growl, bark or even bite people who get too close to her or attempt to touch her, even if she hasn’t behaved aggressively in the past.
Step 3: Avoid Attention
If people try to approach your dog when she’s frightened or nervous, tell them not to do so. Handling or attention from people who scare your dog will only increase her fear. You can politely explain that because your dog isn’t feeling comfortable, she doesn’t want to visit.
Excepts from ASPCA Virtual Pet Behaviorist