Any tips for a shy dog?

Question

My dog is shy and skittish around anyone he doesn't know and it takes him a long time to warm up to people. He's about 18 months old. Does anyone have any tips for correcting this behavior?

He didn't come from a shelter, I've had him since he was a puppy. But my friend has his sister and she is the same way. And I stopped taking him to Petco because he would actually panic and I'm afraid he'll hurt himself or get away from me. I do take him for walks around the neighborhood, but he won't approach anyone we meet.

Answer 1

Some dogs are like that.

You say his littermate (sister) is the same way.

When you see a pattern of behavior among a group of dogs that are closely related (siblings, parents/progeny etc), it is due to his breeding.

Behavior is an inheritable trait. Behavior is controlled by the brain and the brain is controlled by the neurological biochemicals.

What would concern me is that if he panics in a new place (what you said about Petco) that he could, one day, panic and bite from fear. Now, that doesn't mean "kill your dog". It does mean you have to learn to work with his temperment.

You have to figure out what are things that frighten him. Some things that are things that a timid dog can learn not to fear, ie: wering a collar and leash, being restrained in someone's arms or a crate. Others things they may never learn to cope with easily so that you can rely upon them to take it in stride - being approached by boisterous strangers who abruptly reach for them would be an example here. A timid dog who dislikes new places and new things will be on guard against attack as they fear all these things and can lash out from fear - we are talking fear biting here.

I would be very very interested in seeing his Volhard scores and for his sister:

Go here to do the online test and learn what the scores mean. (Email them to me if you like.)

http://www.volhard.com/training/cpp.htm

One thing that I have found to help timid fearful dogs who shy away from strangers and get stressed by new environments and situations (and to make a change in their behavior within a few days) is to take them around with a buddy.

Now in this situation, I do NOT mean his sister. Do you have a friend who has a dog who is happy and merry and confident out in public and with new people? I mean the sort who is bright eyed and perky and hopeful of getting petted when he sees new people with his tail flying but not acting like a nut.

If so, introduce the dogs at your home. Then have your friend and their dog go out for walks with you and him. What we are doing is letting him learn from another dog that the world is not so frightening. Dogs imitate other dogs. The role model doggy, by meeting and greeting strangers, will show him that it is okay.

No point in taking a dog to a group class if he is going to hit the floor and cower and maybe pee. You won't be able to get through to him to teach him anything - think of it as a doggy panic atack. First he has to get some confidence. After he does get braver, consider taking him for obedience training BUT first start with a one-on-one with trainer and then move to a small group of 3-4 dogs, and if he does okay, then a larger group. Those Petco/Petsmart classes are a racous zoo in the middle of bedlam from a dog's point of view - and the dog has a point, they are the "fast food" version of dog training.

Always keep an eye on him around children he does not know - epecially small children. They move quickly, he is frightened of the world and nervous and that is a very very bad combination.


By the way, you need you be calm and positive and reassuring with him. Don't make a big deal out of thinkgs but speak positiviely with a "Okay punkin, its fine what a g-o-o-od guy. See, now lets go on.) If you get worried about what he will do, he reads that as worry about the siuation so let's have calm and confident. Keep you body language and voice up beat.

As to the "give him food" to get him to go along in public....well, lets say I'm not a fan of the food thing. First, you won't always have it with you. Second, if you try to distract him from his fears by giving him food, in his mind, he is being REWARDED for being wary and careful

Good luck

Answer 2

Dogs are like people, when there are shy people they can't get out of being shy. It's there nature. Did your dog come from a shelter? Some dogs like that are nervous and skittish around people they don't know since they've never seen the person before.
I would take him to PetsMart since they allow dogs and cats and let him interact with other dogs and people. He'll learn that no body is going to harm him in any way and he will become better. Take him to social events, inturdouce him to new people.
Good Luck and Hoped this helped!!!!

Answer 3

Like some of the other answerers have said- one thing you can do is try socializing him. Proper socialization with people and other dogs can really help a dog be braver and more confident. Sometimes you bank will even let you take your dog in.

One thing you should ask yourself is "Why is my dog behaving this way?" Only when you can understand a bit of why the dog is acting in this manner can you truely help fix it. For example: If your dog came out of an abusive situation forcing him to go up to people could do more emotional damage to you dog than help. However if he is just being shy as a phase or part of his personality- being made to be around people can help.

Just remember that dogs act on their instincts. When a dog is in an uncomfortable or new situation they have a heightened fight/flight reaction. I'm not saying your dog is going to attack someone but he might be trying to flee and forcing him to face what he fears could only reinforce his desire to flee.

What I suggest is using food rewards. Most dogs respond great to bribing. Have people who come over give him treats and then ignore him. That way he knows that they are "nice" but they won't be threatening to him. I have seen so many shy dogs actually go up to people who are ignoring them because they no longer see the person as a threat. Also if (as the people are ignoring the dog) they let the dog sniff them before acknowledging the dog it seems to help too.

Each dog is different but take is slow and easy and remember the food rewards. Don't jump right into big crowds as this will be too much. If your friends are willing to help out they will be a great tool. This is what I do when I help my local humane society rehabilitate abused or skittish dogs. I hope it works for you too :)

Answer 4

You can aid it bond simpler however, this dog will continuously be an particularly shy puppy or perhaps a worry biter. Try setting up your self as the landlord and that you're the one that is caring for it. Feed the puppy within the crate and inspire the puppy to stick within the crate, if that is in which it feels secure and supply it treats within the crate with you. Socialization is significant for this kind of puppy and take a look at taking it to the puppy retailer or someplace had been it is puppy pleasant. Obedience coaching could also be very predominant. This dog will want plenty of labor however check out getting a behaviorist.

Answer 5

Spay or neuter. Read Cesar's Way by Cesar Millan -- learn how to be a strong, confident pack leader. You might be suprised at how much of your dog's behavior is influenced by the way you conduct yourself. Genetics also do play a part

Answer 6

Take him to places so he can meet people. Take him to Petco and ASK strangers to pet your dog. Hiding him in the house, or babying him when he's being shy will only encourage the behavior. So tackle it head on! Good luck!! :)

Answer 7

dog park and have strangers give him treats beleive me when i say you can get a dog to do anything with food

Answer 8

have fun play catch, take him to a dog park