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I've never had a dog that disliked strangers until our youngest dog (Schatzi, a Yorkie-poodle, who is now 7)
I took her to a 2 hour training session with a well-reviewed trainer whom I've used before (on a couple of our other dogs for other issues)
She more or less confirmed what my thoughts were about Schatzi... that this is her temperament and will always remain guarded when strangers approach and want to pet her. She is a cute little thing and people want to win her over by calling her, talking nice, extending their hands out, etc.
She has never bitten anyone, but snapped at a woman whose actions spurred me into taking her to the trainer for advice in the first place.
The woman owned two smaller dogs and more or less "insisted on petting Schatzi" who was sitting on a couch between hubby and I. I told her that the dog didn't like strangers, but she ignored me and reached across my lap before I could stop her. She obviously didn't know how to read a dog's reluctance at being approached, or stupidly!! thought she'd be the first stranger to win a cowering/shy dog over.
My trainer gave me some good advice: Tell people NOT to try to touch her as she is "in training." She certainly didn't try to touch her.
So far, it has worked and people back off.
Note to add: she adores our two grand-daughters, but I always keep a very close watch when they are around her or our other Yorkie-poo (who loves everyone)
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