| So you opened your heart and home to a shy, | | | | This may seem counter intuitive, but do not pity |
| timid rescue dog. What can you do to help your | | | | your dog. Dogs are very adept at sensing moods |
| new pet adjust and become an involved member | | | | by observing body language. The last thing an |
| of the family? I will assume you already had your | | | | anxious follower needs is an anxiety ridden leader. |
| dog checked out by a veterinarian to make sure | | | | You need to exhibit confidence if you are to help |
| the behavior isn't due to an illness or injury. | | | | your dog overcome his fear. |
| First, be thankful you don't have an aggressive | | | | Another technique for curing timidity in a dog that |
| dog. While both behaviors are reparable, at least | | | | seems counter intuitive is crate training. |
| correcting timidity doesn't have the same urgency | | | | Boundaries help a dog to feel secure and safe. |
| as correcting an aggressive dog that may exhibit | | | | Make sure it is placed away from commotion or |
| biting at any time. Also remember that dogs by | | | | places of congregating. In the beginning, associate |
| nature are social animals that thrive in a pack. So | | | | the crate with treats and toys and praise. Leave |
| something occurred in your dog's life to make him | | | | the door open during the day and he will soon use |
| distrustful, even fearful. You have his natural | | | | it as a place to relax. When you leave for an |
| instincts working in your favor. | | | | extended period, close the door. Crating a dog is |
| The first thing you'll need is a large dose of | | | | not cruel. It will come to represent a safe haven |
| patience. And, you need to equip yourself with | | | | for your dog. |
| the proper training techniques to correct the | | | | Don't reinforce the fearful behavior whenever it |
| behavior. Do your best to make sure family | | | | manifests by coddling him and babying him. This |
| members don't make fast motions towards or | | | | will only instill in the dog the impression that his |
| loud noise near your dog. Approach quietly, slowly | | | | behavior is acceptable and can evoke attention |
| and with your hand held out below his nose so he | | | | from his leader. Always ignore the behavior and |
| can sniff you. Dogs rely on the sense of smell to | | | | eventually he will learn he doesn't get what he |
| decide if a threat is approaching. As he sniffs you, | | | | wants from you when he cowers. |
| face to one side since eye-to-eye contact is | | | | When he does start to venture outside of his |
| often perceived as aggression by dogs. | | | | comfort zone, offer some praise and a treat. |
| Timid dogs invariably lack confidence. Your job is | | | | Don't overdo it, but make sure he knows you |
| to instill confidence and reassurance back into | | | | approve when he exhibits courage. Positive |
| your dog. It may seem incongruous, but even | | | | reinforcement goes a long way to help your dog |
| though your dog shies away and may even avoid | | | | overcome fear. |
| you, he also will not like being alone. As pack | | | | When he has made some progress facing his |
| animals, they instinctively want to follow where | | | | demons, take steps to help him socialize with |
| you go. So, being left alone may trigger anxiety. | | | | other creatures - dogs and people. But, be sure |
| Since this is inevitable (being left alone), you would | | | | to allow him to approach them on his terms and |
| do well to ease him into the inevitable. Before | | | | time frame. Don't rush the process. Keep him |
| your long day away happens, try leaving him | | | | leashed and approach only other leashed dogs so |
| alone for several moments. Return and praise him | | | | you have some control. Do what you can to |
| and reward him with a treat. Do this as often as | | | | create a pleasant, non-threatening experience for |
| your schedule permits. Every time you return, | | | | him. Eventually he will learn that he can interact |
| heap praise upon your dog (quietly of course) and | | | | with other dogs and people without being harmed. |
| slip him a treat. This will help your dog build | | | | Routines are a dog's second best friend. Knowing |
| confidence that you will return eventually | | | | what can be expected significantly reduces |
| whenever you leave and soon he will associate | | | | anxiety in a dog. Make exercise part of your |
| your return with a reward. Dogs have infinite | | | | routine. It relieves tension and wears the dog out |
| patience; once they are certain an anticipated | | | | so he doesn't have the energy it takes to be |
| outcome will happen. | | | | fearful. These are times when you can also |
| Food is a great motivator that can work for you. | | | | strengthen your bond with your dog, which leads |
| Dogs do not normally eat or even approach food | | | | to trust. |
| when they are fearful or anxious. You can use | | | | These are some very useful techniques that will |
| this attribute to build trust and create a bond with | | | | help you to transform your fearful rescue dog |
| your dog. Try tossing a tidbit a foot or so in front | | | | into a true family member who interacts, |
| of your dog (slowly). Then walk away until he | | | | socializes, pleases, and provides you and your |
| conjures up the courage to approach the food | | | | family with years of love and devotion. Which is |
| and eat it. Next time approach the dog a little | | | | what dogs do better than any other creature. |
| closer and toss the food again at a distance that | | | | Make sure you are a knowledgeable dog owner |
| causes him to get up to reach it. Your goal is to | | | | who has at his disposal excellent instruction that |
| ultimately get close enough that he will feel | | | | will help you correct any negative behavior your |
| comfortable enough to eat a morsel out of your | | | | dog may exhibit during his long, happy life. Visit |
| hand. Be sure to praise him each time he eats the | | | | my site referenced below to review the two |
| food. Always try to have your dog associate you | | | | resources I found to be most useful. |
| with praise, not punishment. | | | | |