What Helps Shy Dogs??

There are many approaches to shy dogs I'm sure. I developed my way because the reality of having a foster dog is not knowing how long you'll have them so I try to find the safest, productive but most loving way to move the dog along behaviorally so they can fit into a home easier.

Let's face it, most people looking for dogs aren't looking for a handful. They're looking for a friend who will come when called and cuddle and gives you kisses. Not one that will pee every time you walk up to it, or run off every chance they get so you lose sleep about it.

However, I have found that shy dogs are the most loving dogs just looking for that someone they can devote every second and ounce of love to. And at some point someone or thing stripped that from them.

The first couple of days or the first week I let them do their thing to figure out who they are:

• basic functions: will they eat? drink? go potty?
• what makes them comfortable: a bed that hugs their body? a corner? another dog? (puppy mill dogs will love being around other dogs but super shy around humans)
• Is there any aggressive tendencies? 
• When you tug on the leash, do they resist and growl?
• When you walk up to their food do they growl? (food aggression refer to Training for food aggression)
• When you walk near the dog and it's back to a wall or corner does it grit it's teeth and growl?
• Knowing what causes aggression keeps everyone safe until the fear can be calmed
• Who they get along with?

• Men, women, children (careful with this one if aggression shown)
• other dogs
• cats or other small animals
• Can they walk on a leash?
• If on a super long leash, do they walk alongside you? Even if it's scared? Or do they super tug on the leash ready to dash away? (if they dash refer to Obedience and training for the dog that runs away)

FOOD and WATER: If your dog doesn't drink, eat or go potty those are life dependent behaviors that should get resolved as soon as you can. Try soft food or hot dogs. Place water in all places, sometimes best to crate the dog with a water dish and walk away. Eventually they'll calm down and drink water if necessary. OR they'll learn where the water dish is and drink when you fall asleep and all the lights are off when "the coast is clear."

GOING TO THE BATHROOM: Getting a shy dog to go potty is another beast. The first thing I try is a super long leash, one you usually put on a hook in the ground (but I just hold onto the end and let them walk.) Remember, NEVER leave a shy dog alone! First you want to create a bond and you can't bond if you're not there. 2nd, they WILL scale fences!

If they walk on a leash, go for a LONG walk. Eventually they'll have to go right? 

Sometimes dogs have never seen winter. Yes our rescue's dogs all come from Alabama to Wisconsin, it's very common they are confused with snow. Just shovel a patch of snow at the edge of the yard exposing some grass and be patient. Sometimes they're so cold they'll go right on the driveway.

If all else fails....crate or gate in a carpet-less room when you leave because it MAY happen when you're gone. It's not ideal, but it happens. After accidents, always walk the dog outside and say "potty" so they know it goes outside. Don't let them watch you clean it up. It may just take a couple days or a week to get them used to the yard or grass and eventually they WILL go. 

KEY POINT: WHEN THEY GO.....Give SUPER DUPER amounts of praise. Whether it be 100 "good boy/girl!!", lots of mini treats, lots of petting and hugs and kisses

COMFORT ITEMS: If your new dog finds a spot or bed or area they like to lay. Start introducing yourself in that area and petting them sitting next to them. If it's a doggy bed, then take the doggy bed where ever you want to introduce them to (ie kitchen, living room, bedroom, etc). They've already made a positive association, roll with it! Make sure comfort items don't turn into possessive aggression, if so take it away and don't give it back.

If you have a puppy mill dog and you have other dogs it's best to show love and affection to the other dogs in front of the puppy mill dog so they can observe that it's okay to be around THIS human. If you only have the dog you adopted or bought, then it will be patience and time. Every time they show interest or walk up to you be excited and praise or give treats. All dogs want affection, sometimes it's too scary to show it. :(

GETTING ALONG WITH HUMANS: No matter size or gender there are general rules to approach a shy dog.

1. Don't be loud and no quick movements (hence families with young children should be careful)
2. Try to approach from the side of the dog (head on is threatening in dog world) 
3. Get down to their level be it squatting or on your knees or even laying down
4. Let them sniff your hand
5. Start VERY gentle by letting the hand at the muzzle and slowly move along the top or side of their face. If they move their head into your hand, let it flow naturally where they rub against your hand
6. Slowly work your way to the body.
7. BEWARE of the backside or the bottom, dogs who are shy or new to you may suddenly be very scared when you reach their backside. (whine, pull away, low light growl)

LEASHES: Some dogs are just scared of the leash. It's been too traumatizing whatever experience they have had. Try leaving a leash hooked on their collar (once you've managed to finagle it on) and let them walk around the house with it until they get use to it. Hand out treats when putting on the leash for positive association.