How to Help a Timid Dog

Like humans, each dog is unique, and some may be shy or even timid. This can be a learned behavior (the result of a negative or traumatic experience), or it might simply be part of your dog's personality. Dogs of all breeds and sizes can be timid. As a timid dog's owner, it is up to you to ensure that it gets the training and reconditioning that it needs to overcome its fear. There are a couple of reasons reconditioning your dog is important. First, your dog will live a more full and happy life if it has confidence. Second, timid dogs can behave aggressively, as snapping and biting are a dog's primary means of self defense.

Things You'll Need

  • Dog treats
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Instructions

    • 1

      Observe your dog carefully to find out what circumstances are causing it to behave in a shy or timid way. Does your dog flinch at the sight of an outstretched hand? Does it cower, hide or run away from all strangers, or just from strangers in hats? Make mental notes each time your dog behaves timidly. Once you know the source of the fear, you can begin to recondition your dog to accept the situation bravely and even happily.

    • 2

      Teach your dog that human hands are a positive thing by rewarding it for allowing you to pet it. Don't make contact right away. Keep your hands at a distance that your dog feels comfortable with, and give it a treat for staying calm. Gradually move your hands closer and closer to your dog as it gains confidence. Always reward and praise it for staying calm. Don't move quickly, or your dog might think it is about to be hit or harmed in some way.

    • 3

      Socialize your timid dog. A timid personality may be the result of your dog not having enough experience with people or situations outside the home. It lacks the self-confidence to handle unknown situations. Take it on daily walks to different locations where it might see people, dogs, children, other animals, cars, bicycles or skateboards. Keep treats on hand to reward it for staying calm.

    • 4

      Ask strangers (and especially children) to ignore your dog when they first come into your home. Keep treats nearby or give them treats to hold and allow your dog to decide if and when it will come and say hi. Don't force interaction between your dog and anything that causes it fear.

    • 5

      Introduce your timid dog to strangers slowly. Each time an introduction is made, praise and reward your dog for being brave. If a stranger gets too close and your dog starts to act timid, ask the person to back away to a more comfortable distance. Remove your dog from the situation if it becomes too fearful and won't stay calm. Enlist family or friends to help. Have them wear hats, fake moustaches, glasses and different types of clothing or costumes to help your timid dog get used to seeing all different types of humans.

    • 6

      Hire a professional dog trainer or behaviorist to help with severe anxiety problems. Your timid dog may turn to aggression if it feels threatened, and a trainer or behaviorist can help teach your dog confidence when you feel you are in over your head. Ask your trainer to teach you how to continue working with your dog at home.