Dog training tips: how to help a shy, timid dog

Give the cat her own safe area to escape to when she needs it and keep her food bowl and litter box in a separate area from the dog. It might be a good idea to keep it permanently blocked from the dog by a baby gate or door.

Helping a shy dog to build confidence will require your time, your patience and, eventually, an obedience training class. You may not see significant progress for three to six months, but the happy dog which will result will be worth your efforts.

Shyness can occur for many different reasons. Some breeds are just naturally shy. Other dogs may have been emotionally, physically or verbally abused. While others, still, may have been raised in a loving home but not socialized as puppies, given the opportunity to meet new people and to associate with other dogs.

A Severely Shy Dog

If your dog is so extremely shy he won’t let you or anyone in your family pet him, begin by giving him a quick pat on the head as you walk through the house. This unexpected action will catch him off guard, and he will learn, through repetition, that nothing bad will happen to him as a result.

Your first goal is to make him trust you. One owner purchased a pound of chicken livers, cooked them and then laid down on the floor with some chicken livers on her body and the rest trailing away at approximately five feet. She spoke to her dog softly, but laid still, avoiding eye contact. When he had eaten them all, she padded him enthusiastically on his sides saying what a good boy he had been. Your dog may run away at this point, but this is a trust building exercise.

Avoiding eye contact and patting a dog on his sides or stroking his neck and chest are non-threatening gestures which will help to build trust.

Getting him into a harness with a leash is the next logical step. A harness is better than a collar because it will let you gently steer him into situations he may initially fear.

Often, at this point, the leash is feared. Let him play with it as if it were a toy. Attach a toy or a chewie to it and drag it along the floor letting him pounce on it. In time, he will see the leash as an enjoyable experience and allow you to attach it to his harness.

Once you are both walking outside, other fearful situations will arise. Make a game of them. When you see his eyes anxious and his ears back, say Go Fast. Then run with him past the disturbance. He wants to run anyway so make it with you directing him. When you both finally stop, pat his sides joyfully and, keeping a happy tone, say Good Boy. He may still look anxious, but don’t give into the urge to pamper him. Saying it’s alright to be frightened merely reinforces the behavior.

Like children, dogs will more likely begin to interact with other dogs. Arrange a play date for him at least once a week. Playing burns off stress paramount in a shy dog’s life.

Once your severely shy dog has begun to trust you and other dogs, you may then move forward introducing him to new people, some training and, eventually, obedience school.

The Moderately Shy Dog

When you are able to pet your dog, and he is beginning to trust you, continue to protect him from other people. Before a guest enters the house, have him sit outside with this back towards the dog and his two hands, filled with treats, outstretched behind him. Gradually, he can move to his side then face the dog, but he must avoid eye contact. Eye contact is intimidating to a shy dog. Eventually, he can try to pet the dog but only on the chest and on the neck. These areas are non-threatening.

Continue this kind of people therapy every chance you get. Your goal is to socialize your shy dog and ultimately enroll him in obedience class.

For now, begin training your dog at home. Training builds a shy dog’s confidence. Teach basic commands like come, sit, lay down. Experts suggest the book So Your Dog’s Not Lassie for home schooling. Praise him for every little thing he does right.

Play can also build self confidence. When you play tug of war with your dog, let him win at least one-half of the time. This boosts his confidence in himself.

Take your dog with you every chance you get. He should run at least one errand with you everyday. If he is frightened, act happy. Pretend he’s not afraid and, in time, he’ll begin to believe it too.

Now, you can attempt that obedience class which will continue to socialize him around people and around other dogs. Even if you must leave the class at the start because he is fearful, act happy: Make it a pleasant experience. It doesn’t matter if he doesn’t do well at the tasks in class; the goal is to build self confidence.

Most shy dogs can become confident, happy canines with positive training and time. Let your dog set his own pace, and remember to praise him liberally whenever he overcomes a hurdle.