How to Make Your Dog Less Timid

Timidity in dogs is a common problem, especially among dogs who have been abused or under-socialized. According to Bonnie Beaver in "Canine Behavior," fear is a leading cause of aggression because fearful dogs are more likely to feel threatened and bite. Punishment and forced socialization are ineffective methods for treating timid dogs. Instead, reward-based socialization over a period of several months can be highly effective.

Things You'll Need

  • Training clicker
  • Dog treats
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Socialize puppies to a variety of people and settings beginning from a young age. Beaver explains that most puppies go through a fear period during which they are timid and afraid of new stimuli. It's important that dog owners gently encourage their puppies to face their fears in the first eight to 24 weeks of life, because socialization becomes much more difficult after this time. Click the training clicker and give your dog a treat every time it interacts with a new person or dog. It's vital that each new experience be as positive as possible, so avoid people who play roughly with dogs or dogs who might be aggressive.

    • 2

      Determine your dog's flight distance. Flight distance is a measure of how close a dog will allow an unfamiliar person or dog to get before running away, behaving fearfully or growling. Beginning at one foot greater than this distance, encourage visitors to toss treats to your dog when they enter your house. Do the same when you take your dog on walks, to the vet or to the park. Gradually decrease the distance by one foot each week. If your dog panics when the distance decreases, increase the distance by another foot and try again.

    • 3

      Provide your dog with at least 30 minutes of exercise each day. Running in the backyard is insufficient for most dogs. Instead, take your dog on walks, throw the Frisbee or play fetch. Fearful dogs are often less timid when they receive adequate exercise because exercise helps burn off nervous energy, according to Jean Donaldson in "The Culture Clash."