Family lives in another country and are getting a guard dog?

I'd say you have some work to do on yourself first. If you are nervous, the dog will pick up on that and it'll be an uphill battle.

I recommend spending time with dogs to get yourself to the point where you can be calm around them. Spend time with a friend's dog to get a feel for it so you can relax around them. Then when you visit, you'll have a level of comfort with their dog.

How the introduction goes will depend a lot on the dog and how the household is set up. Does the dog live inside? Is it an excitable dog and going to jump on you or is it also a bit anxious and maybe hang back a bit.

Either way, you being calm and assertive will go a long way.

If the dog is tentative, don't push it. Act naturally, pretend like it's not there and when it decides you aren't there to harm anybody or anything, it'll gradually introduce itself. Take it slow - let the dog make the moves.

if it's one of those yappy happy dogs and loves you from the first minute, then how the introduction goes will depend on you, how much lovin' you're up for.

My primary recommendation would be to take the time before you visit to find some dogs to get comfy around. If you show up nervous, things will be more difficult.

Good luck!