Th dog i am adopting is really shy and they said that it will take a while for him to get use to me and be enrgetic. how can i make him more playful?
2006-12-03 13:54:53 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
Good for you for adopting. It's a great thing that the rescue group that had him gave you some info about the dog so that you can prepare! I have a shy / soft dog too, and I know that he hates loud, sudden noises and the possibility of anything being dropped (keys especially) So I take care to not bang things around when he's around, but I also don't coddle or console him when accidents happen. I can't reward his fear behaviors (blinking and ducking, and cowering) because that would encourage him to continue them. I ignore him when I see him doing that, and wait for him to come back to 'real life', and then ask him for a behavior he knows (nose touch to hand, spin, sit, etc). I am not being mean to my dog by ignoring the fearful behaviors - since I want him to overcome them, I need to ignore them so that they will go away.
Keep things easy for this dog. Make mental notes about things that scare him (noise? movement? both? certain people? certain dogs? all dogs and strangers? etc) Also, find out what his favorite food treats are and try to have these handy to reinforce him hanging out with you. When it's time to play keep in mind that he may be intimidated by you being in his space, so try to stay low and not lean over him. Play tug with a paper bag with great treats in it or old sock that has holes in it - the dog will get tons of rewards easily when he plays _with you_ rather than off by himself with a ball or other toy, and that's what you want to encourage!
2006-12-03 14:18:52 · answer #1 · answered by Misa M 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The main thing is, when bringing him home take him for a long walk, this will establish rolls. A shy dog does not want to be the leader he wants to be led so as soon as you establish this he will be more comfortable sooner. When you bring him into your house introduce him to his feeding area and his sleeping area so he can feel comfortable in certain areas, he needs to know where he can go to be safe is he is startled or scared. He may even stay there for a few days until he is comfortable comming out.
Make sure you give him plenty to do to get out any unwanted energy, like stuff to chew on, and toys and treats. Do not baby him, when he is scared do not say *its okay* and baby him because all that is doing is reenforcing his state of mind, to you, you are babying him. to him he is thinking *oh there is something to be afraid of* They dont think like we do, so only praise and baby and give treats when he is doing something you want him to do like walk with you, follow you around, come when called stuff like that.
Hope this gives you a start
2006-12-03 22:23:50 · answer #2 · answered by Dalmatian 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Love and patience.
Let the dog adapt to your lifestyle by not rushing the dog.
Let him start to feel safe.
Some timid dogs have suffered abuse and it may take some time for the dog to realize they are safe.
Be careful about loud noises around the dog,this could only prove to make the dog more standoffish.
Should loud noises happen be sure to reassure the dog.
Treats for good behavior works well.
2006-12-03 22:02:49 · answer #3 · answered by Just Q 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Hold him & play w/ him. Don't make any sudden movements around him!! Try to keep him a calm & quite room. After a little while maybe a month or so he should start being more playful towards you! He will always think u r his mommy!! Try to take him in the room w/ u when u go to bed this will also help!!
2006-12-03 22:04:28 · answer #4 · answered by Missy 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Get your dog some toys and play with him. You can throw a ball and let him chase it. Dogs love frisbees. Also be sure to pet your dog a lot so it knows you love it. Just be very kind and gentle with the dog and it will come to trust you and depend upon you.
2006-12-03 22:08:25 · answer #5 · answered by papricka w 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Let him tell you when he is comfortable. Don't push too hard for all the energy and play. Give him gentle and non invasive attention until he learns he can trust you.
2006-12-03 22:01:18 · answer #6 · answered by rottymom02 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Try to get it to chase after toys and give gentle praise when he does it.
2006-12-03 23:08:41 · answer #7 · answered by ? 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
its going to take a while for him to be sure you are not going to hurt him. there's a chance before you adopted him he was mistreated. be patient or you could cause more problems.
2006-12-03 22:41:59 · answer #8 · answered by llsnwtsn 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋