My dog is very cowardly. He's even afraid of balls and dog toys. Any suggestions on how to toughen him up?

Answer 1

Dogs fear what they don't know. You need to expose him to other animals. Take him for walks in the park, or better yet have a friend bring over their dog, and see it through no matter how wimpy he acts. If another dog intimidates him, don't break them up. It's natural canine behavior, and if you interrupt it you're teaching him to be less canine. He might be a wuss for a while and then start asserting himself, or maybe he'll always let other dogs be dominant of him, but either way, he'll at least be able to behave socially.

Once he can hold his own around other dogs, I doubt he'll be afriad of toys.

Answer 2

Your dog is afraid because it hasn't been out and around things and people enough. It is afraid of who and what she doesn't know. The best thing to do is start walking it in parks and things. Start with short periods so it isn't overwhelmed. 15 minutes, 30 minutes, etc. After a while it will realize that the people and things she sees aren't a threat and she will stop.

Answer 3

Here is a good site to help you motivate your shy dog> http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&A=997&S=4&SourceID=60

I think you will want to get. It's called Help for Your Shy Dog by Deborah Wood. It's new, a paperback. The information on how to help your shy dog learn to cope is solid, and several success stories in the book give a realistic view of what you can expect. Some of the dogs profiled are involved in competition events, too.

this book is on eBay, very inexpensive...

Answer 4

try teeching him a simple trick,like shake hands,when he finally gets it,make a big fuss.build his confidence by having him do his trick when he seems frightened,then lots of praise.next take him for a walk on lead,if he balks or pulls away from something,you walk up to it an touch it,bang on it an say its ok,then,very near the scary thing,offer him a special treat like cooked chicken.always let him see that you walk right up to the scary things an touch them,then start encouraging him to do the same.with pups,i stop the walk till they go touch the fire hydrent then we preceed to the next new thing.Agility classes may make your shy dog more social by getting him with other friendly dogs and build confidense by learning the obstacles.Good luck!

Answer 5

Dogs can be timid and shy just like humans....Ask your Vet to recommend a diet, or some training classes , or any suggestions they may have...Good luck!

Answer 6

just leave them on the floor where your dog is and maybe your dog will see that they won't hurt him and then hopefully your dog will get used to them and not be afraid of them

Answer 7

take him to the vet and get him some hormones or try a new diet

Answer 8

hit him with a 2x4 over and over