Instructions
Determine what exactly your dog is afraid of and what caused the fear. Some dogs are afraid of large men. Others are afraid of children. Some large dogs are frightened of small, loud dogs. Look for patterns of behavior that indicate specifically what scares your dog. Some dogs may have been simply born with a shy temperament, while others could have been subjected to abuse at the hands of a child or man. Some dogs that show fearful behavior may not have been exposed to many people or other pets when they were puppies. Knowing the root of the problem will help you determine what types of people and dogs your pet needs further controlled exposure to for desensitization training.
Help your dog establish confidence by exposing it to a new person in a controlled setting. Use a helper or an experienced dog trainer to help in the scenarios. In a room or fenced-in yard, have your helper stand quietly nearby. Let the dog approach on its own. Maintain a relaxed body posture and calm, soothing voice, but do not comfort the dog if it displays fear. If you do, it will reinforce the negative behavior. If the dog approaches the helper calmly, this person should sit or kneel on the floor, turned slightly away from the dog and not make eye contact. The helper should offer a special treat that is something the dog really enjoys. Eventually, the dog may allow the helper to stroke it, and the helper should talk reassuringly to the dog. Be prepared to have a lot of patience and to make more than one attempt at this scenario. When the dog becomes more confident you can try encounters with different types of people, both indoors and outdoors.
Socialize your shy dog in dog parks and in other controlled situations with other dogs. If you are concerned your dog may act aggressively toward another pet, use a muzzle. In a similar fashion to using a human helper, use a dog helper you know has a pet that is friendly and calm around other dogs. Set up a few encounters where the dogs can meet each other. Consider joining a puppy kindergarten or a supervised dog play group. Pet boarding businesses often offer "doggy daycare" where dogs are put in groups for play. Another good way to help a dog fearful of other canines is to visit a dog park. Stand away from the fenced park but where the dog can see other animals. Give rewards when the dog remains calm. Gradually move closer to the dog park entrance until the dog no longer expresses fear.
Set up a safe place for your dog in the home. Every dog, whether it has a shy temperament or not, needs a place in the home to retreat to when it is overwhelmed. House guests, parties and holidays can often be stressful times for dogs, especially if they are fearful of new people. The dog's spot can be an area that doesn't get much traffic but is still where the dog can see or at least hear the action. Place a blanket or dog bed, and some favorite toys, in the "safe zone." Some crate-trained dogs may naturally view their crates as a safe area and retreat there when stressed.
Take your dog out with you often. If you own a puppy, socialization at a young age is key to preventing or heading off fearful behavior. Take your dog with you on errands. Go on walks with your dog in a variety of settings. It is important for your dog to be exposed to many sights and sounds. Keep calm and be reassuring in all situations, and before you know it, your dog may be making friends all over town.
How Can I Get My Dog to Stop Being Scared of Dogs & People?
A dog that is fearful of people and other dogs can be a serious problem that makes walks, visits from friends and family to your home and even pet boarding difficult, if not impossible. Dogs who are apprehensive around people and pets can be dangerous since they may react to stressful situations by attacking and biting the objects that frighten them. Several things can be done to desensitize and recondition your dog so it will not be a danger to the public and help it become a more social animal.