How to Train an Indoor Shy Dog

Maybe you adopted that cute quiet dog who was shaking in the corner of his cage because he looked like he needed someone to love. Then you got him home and he's running from you, scared. Don't get frustrated! He'll just need help figuring out what behavior is good. A shy dog is a dog that hasn't been socialized with other dogs, or a dog that is fearful of people. With dedication, a shy dog's behavior can be modified so that they become happy members of the family.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• A leash
• Treats

1. Snap a leash on your shy dog while talking in an upbeat voice. Chances are the dog is cowering in the corner or underneath a piece of furniture. Get up and walk away from the dog while saying "come!" You want to train the dog to follow you without him associating you pulling him there. Walk away with your back to him, like you would normally leave a room, and let the leash pull him after you. He'll be forced to follow you and after awhile he'll follow before the leash pulls him.
2. When you're in the kitchen, bring the leashed dog with you and keep him near you, as close to the center of the room as you can. A shy dog will always try to retreat to corners or under furniture. Talk happily to the dog while you are busy in the kitchen, without looking at him. Drop treats down as you move around the room to reward him for staying out in the open, and not bolting every time you pass by. Touch the dog as you pass by.
3. In the living room, sit on the middle of the floor with treats (and another, confident dog if you have one). Have your leashed dog out in the open. Ignore him, but throw pieces of treats near him. Eventually throw your treats closer and closer to you.
4. When the dog is staying with you with the leash slack, remove the leash and continue calling him to follow you as you move around the house, and you will gradually see a dog that wants to be wherever you and the rest of the family are. Over much time, the dog will even begin to allow eye contact and approach you for love with a wagging tail.

Tips & Warnings

• Having a confident, happy dog already in your house is a huge plus when training a shy dog. Your shy dog will eventually mimic whatever behavior your confident dog expresses.
• The more you work with your dog, the faster the results will be.
• Expose the dog to as many strangers/guests in your house as possible. Have them toss treats to the dog when they enter a room.
• Avoid eye contact with a shy dog. Instead, pet, talk to and love the dog without looking it directly in the eye.