How to Train a Shy Dog

A shy dog is an unsocialized dog, or a dog that fears humans. Training a shy dog is one of the most challenging things a dog lover can undertake. Even if you've been around dogs your whole life, a shy dog can blow a hole in all the techniques you've ever used for getting your dog to obey and become a loving member of the family. If you approach a shy dog while understanding his fearful issues and reward his moments of bravery, you'll get farther than if you approach him expecting him to be a normal dog. Throw out all your expectations, and you'll be less frustrated.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Get a leash. A leash is essential, since an unleashed shy dog will evade you as soon as he gets the chance. Getting a leash clipped on a shy dog is a feat in itself. You may have to climb under the table or wherever the shy dog is hiding, and reach gently to hook the leash without looking the dog in the eye. Pet the dog under the chin and speak brightly without making eye contact, once you've clipped the leash.

2. Get up and walk confidently away, saying "come!" happily while holding the leash, not looking at him, and forcing your shy dog to be pulled gently along behind you. Don't even try working on any commands until your shy dog will follow you around with the leash being slack. Once he's following you reliably, reach to pet him without making eye contact, and reward with plenty of treats.

3. Use another dog as an example. If you have a confident dog, this can help training greatly, since a shy dog will mimic a confident dog. Take them both out into an enclosed yard (or living room), the shy dog with his leash dragging. Bring lots of treats. Sit on the ground, and call your confident dog over by saying "come." Reward with a treat. If your shy dog even takes a few steps toward you, reward him by throwing a treat toward him. Gradually throw the treats closer and closer to you, until the dog will come all the way to you! Sitting on the ground makes you less scary, and the dog will be more likely to want to approach you. With a very shy dog, you may have to lay flat on the ground!

4. Sit on the ground and use the same approach to teach the "sit" command. Even if your dog won't let you touch him, he'll learn quickly to sit for a treat, if you don't invade his space. Always reach to pet the dog from underneath his chin, as it's less threatening. If the dog shies away, ignore that behavior, and start over. Only reward displays of bravery.