How to Care for a Timid Dog

Some timid dogs come from abusive homes.

Like human beings, each dog has its own unique personality. While many dogs are outgoing and friendly, other dogs are timid and shy. Your dog might be fearful of strangers or loud sounds. Some fearful dogs are born that way, while others come from abusive homes. If you have a timid dog, it will take patience and gentleness to help it feel comfortable and more outgoing.

Instructions

1. Allow a new dog time to adjust to your home. Allow it to hide and check out new objects at its own pace. Try to avoid negative reinforcement.

2. Allow the dog to approach you rather than grabbing it and holding it. Let the dog adjust at its own speed. Do not leave it alone for long periods of time during the first few days that it lives with you.

3. Hand-feed the dog, talking to it gently as you give it one piece at a time. If it hides from you, throw pieces of food near its hiding place and wait for it to come out.

4. Walk the dog in your neighborhood but keep your distance from other dogs and children. Keep a leash on the dog at all times in case it decides to bolt. If something scares the dog, let it hide and do not scold it for being fearful.

5. Watch your dog and learn what makes it fearful, such as loud noises, other dogs, strangers or children. Once you know what frightens your dog you can better treat its fear.

6. Expose the dog slowly to its fears, and include positive association with the exercise. For example, if the dog is afraid of bigger dogs, pet the dog and give it a treat whenever it sees a bigger dog from a distance.

Tips & Warnings

• Pacing and circling is normal for the first few days after you bring the dog home.

References

• Homeward Trails Animal Rescue: Helping the Shy or Fearful Dog
• Animal Defense League of Texas: Shy Dog Information