Why is my dog so shy at the dog park?
A dog’s reluctance to join in the fun at the dog park might stem from a number of reasons, including Read More
How do I deal with an introverted dog?
Keith Little
2025-07-14 10:20:43
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We want to adopt a two-year-old ACD who is extremely shy around people. She is a smaller ACD, hides when introduced to new people and then warms up after learning they are okay. According to the fosters, when put together, the mother becomes more friendly. This makes us believe it will help both of them to have them living together. I'm not expecting the mother to become as social as her daughter. But is there something we can do to help with extreme shyness. It's to the point that she urinates when meeting someone new. I'm hoping that as she gets older and feels like she's got us for the long run, she will open up and lose some of that fear. Are there things we can do to facilitate her becoming less fearful.
Cindy Schoen
2025-07-07 19:57:35
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Help shy and fearful dogs feel safer by building trust and teaching skills to manage their fear. Establish a Safe Haven, your dog can retreat to a bedroom, closet, or covered kennel to feel safer. Make sure this area is away from the normal traffic pattern in the home and has warm, soft bedding. Encourage your dog to go to this area where good things happen, such as treats given daily. Food Dispensing and Puzzle Toys are a great way to build your dog’s self-confidence, helping them to problem solve while encouraging them to explore their environment. Build Trust, building trust is an important part of our relationship with dogs, we need to respect their needs and normal canine social behaviors. Respect Your Dog’s Choices, dogs need some control over a situation and the opportunity to say no or fear can rapidly turn into worry. Stop the Walks, if your dog is hesitant to go on walks, doesn’t want to leave the yard or go for a car ride, don’t force them. Try playing games in the yard, go for sniff walks in quiet and safe locations, or do nose work exercises instead.
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Puppies who miss out on these experiences may never learn to be comfortable around unfamiliar things Read More
Carmella Labadie
2025-06-28 09:04:16
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Dogs learn from positive association.
The best way to help a shy or fearful dog gain confidence is to expose them to what frightens them at a low intensity.
Pair this exposure with something positive, like a tasty treat.
Allow your dog time to get used to people.
Instruct others to ignore your dog, and let your dog decide whether they want to approach someone.
Dogs that adjust on their own are more likely to approach people safely.
Avoid direct eye contact, at first.
Direct eye contact can be intimidating or threatening to a dog.
Throw out treats, decreasing the distance for a safe interaction.
From a crouched position, toss out a treat, one at a time.
This allows your dog to approach at their pace and get a reward at the same time.
Build up trust with your dog before bringing them to public settings like the dog park, a friend’s house, or a dog-friendly restaurant or brewery.
Putting your dog in a stressful situation will set their progress back.
Go slow and give them time to gain confidence and trust.
If your pup is shy or fearful of other dogs, don’t force the interaction — just as you wouldn’t with people.
Sometimes, interactions with other dogs are unavoidable, like out on a walk.
Give yourself some space by going to the other side of the street or moving off the path.
If your dog reacts aggressively — such as barking, lunging, or growling at other dogs — don’t feel too discouraged!
Remember, it’s all about taking things slow and working with your dog as they gain more confidence.
Hollis Hamill
2025-06-28 08:57:24
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Squat down with your body sideways to the dog. Look down or away, and keep your body language quiet and calm. Scatter treats on the floor around you, so that the dog can self-reward without any social pressure from you. Do not pet the dog until she is begging for attention. Sometimes just sitting in a corner of the kennel reading a book will allow the dog to approach at her own speed. Avoid looming over, reaching a hand down from above, approaching quickly and frontally—even making direct eye contact can be frightening for shy dogs. It may take several repetitions of the above techniques before you see results, but the rewards are worth it.
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How do you desensitize a shy dog?
Dogs learn from positive association. The best way to help a shy or fearful dog gain confidence is t Read More
Cornelius Thiel
2025-06-28 04:28:46
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: 21
Just like humans, there are introverted and extroverted dogs. Some enjoy socializing more than others—and that’s all good and fair. Dogs who have limited access to other people and pets can also develop shy, antisocial characteristics. Confining your dog at home is a recipe for an anxious, frustrated, and anti-social dog. Your four-legged friend needs room to release his or her energy while learning how to navigate the world by your side.
1. Practice Basic Commands is one way to help. Commands are confidence boosters for dogs—and who doesn’t love a good boost of confidence? Make sure you’re praising your dog every time he or she sits, stands, or shakes on command. But don’t just limit basic commands to your dog; make it clear to your friends and family that they cannot make any sudden movements toward your dog, as this may increase anxiety.
Introducing to New Dogs can also be helpful. Introductions can be nerve-wracking. A dog dealing with social issues might be scared or hesitant to meet new dogs, so it’s important to introduce them at your dog’s pace. The best way to start is by introducing your dog to dogs you already know and trust. Reward your dog each time they exhibit good behavior.
Sometimes, the best course of action is the help of a professional. Certified behaviorists will work closely with you and your dog to offer the support they need. Remain patient with your dog—and yourself.