If your dog is very shy or timid, there are things you can do to help him get over it. This is often a problem with smaller dogs, so adapt the tips below so they work best for you.
- Reassure your dog by being in charge
If your dog knows that they don´t have to be the alpha dog, they can relax and will often lose much of their timidity. You should be careful to maintain a commanding posture when you are training your dog, since your dog is highly sensitive to non-verbal cues.
- Build your dog´s confidence
Slowly expose your dog to specific fright triggers, such as a bearded man, a little at a time. As they act less frightened, you need to continually reward them. What you are doing is connecting the frightening thing with a great outcome, as far as the dog is concerned.
- Give your dog a safe place to go
If a shy dog has a place to retreat into, they are more likely to encounter the fear-inducing thing on their own terms. This place could be a bed or kennel box located in a social area of your house. The kitchen or family room is a good choice for the crate location, where your pet can be around social activities, yet feel safe.
- Build your dog´s confidence
Shy dogs can be helped to lose their shyness and become more sociable, well-behaved pets. Again, it´s all in your attitude and willingness to work with you pet whether this behavior can be changes.
