If you are nervous around strangers or don’t trust your dog around other dogs, then your dog will pick up on those cues quickly. They may become more distrustful themselves simply because you seem to be afraid. By keeping yourself calm, you’re giving yourself and your dog both a good chance at a positive interaction. Your dog will mimic your mood in their own interactions with others and will soon learn that it is okay to approach strangers in a friendly way. Teaching your dog to sit when they greet new people is a good habit, and it can make strangers less intimidated by them as well. Although some dogs may never be fully comfortable around strange humans or other dogs, they can learn how to behave themselves properly in social situations, too. Go for walks, taking your dog for walks is an excellent way for them to meet, interact with, and see others. Introduce people you know, start slowly with people you already know, take your dog to a neutral place, such as a park or the sidewalk, to meet your friends and extended family members.