How to Calm a Shy Dog Around Other Dogs

Understanding how to calm a shy or fearful dog is important for a variety of reasons. Shy dogs can become aggressive around other dogs as well as around humans, which can result in biting and other behavior that can cause injury. If your dog is mainly shy around other dogs, teach it to be less so by desensitizing the animal to what he fears. This process is generally a gradual one and will require calm and patience for best results.

  1. Signs of a Shy Dog

    • Signs that your dog is shy or fearful include trembling and cowering, baring his teeth, growling and urination. A shy dog may also bite his handler out of fear and avoid eye contact with handlers or objects that frighten him. Shy dogs will often try to remove themselves from most situations, whether outdoors or indoors. They can also be fearful around certain people, such as a large man with a loud, booming voice.

    Shy Puppy

    • Puppies that are shy around other puppies can benefit from introduction to a puppy play group or puppy kindergarten class. Both groups and classes should be under constant supervision by a certified dog trainer. Observe a few classes and groups before choosing a class for your puppy to ensure the trainer has complete control over the class and does not allow larger puppies to bully smaller puppies. Puppy play groups and kindergarten classes are an ideal way to socialize your puppy in a controlled environment.

    Shy Dog

    • Help your shy dog get over his shyness around other pooches by introducing him to a dog that is smaller than he. Choose a dog that is friendly but not overly hyper and excitable. Once your dog has grown comfortable after a few meetings with this smaller dog, introduce your dog to larger dogs that are more active. Do this as gradually as possible, and do not introduce your dog to aggressive dogs that enjoy rough play, to avoid traumatizing your dog. The entire process generally takes a few weeks.

    Additional Tips

    • When dealing with shy dogs, it is often a good idea to let the dog come to you. If you must approach the dog, do so in an indirect manner that avoids making eye contact with the animal. Walking toward the dog "head on" can be perceived as threatening behavior. Squat or crouch down when working with a shy dog to make yourself appear less intimidating. Touch the dog by stroking his chin or chest, as patting the dog on the head can also seem threatening to the dog.