How Do I Help My Shy or Fearful Pup?

Picture this: A seemingly sweet dog is cowering next to a couch or near a tree, and you approach to pet him – the dog barks and becomes aggressive. Is your doggy radar off? Should you have known this dog could have aggressive behaviors? The answer is complex, and rest assured, not always obvious. If your dog is exhibiting shy or fearful behavior they may react negatively to people approaching them. Keep reading to better understand how to help your own pet and how to handle other dogs that display this type of behavior.

Shy dogs can be born with a timid disposition or they can develop this behavior based on bad experiences they’ve had. This shyness can mean that they’re withdrawn, reserved, anxious or even fearful and dangerous. If you feel your dog is exhibiting any level of this behavior, it’s important to take steps that can help them feel confident and safe.

First of all, you must build trust with your dog. Spend time with them and ensure that they understand you’re their caretaker. By giving them the basic attention they need to survive including feeding, walking, grooming, training and playing with them, you’ll the dog understand that they can trust you.

Once that trust is built, you can begin managing his or her behavior. Continue with basic training, and make sure they are well adjusted to a leash. This will help you when your dog is outside. For example, if you dog is afraid of people or vehicles, you can redirect them while on the leash to lead them away from what’s upsetting them. Always keep treats on you, whether outside or in you living room with new guests, and continuously use positive reinforcement to award their good behaviors. If fearful or anxious behavior persists, remove your dog from the situation immediately.

Working with a shy or fearful dog takes practice, meaning you will always need to work with the pup to make them feel loved and secure so they can be their best selves. Building trust, obedience training, and slow exposure to new environments will help your dog overcome their fearful behavior. It’s A Dog’s World can help you on this journey, and whether with us or another trainer, it’s always best to consult a professional if your dog has sever fearful behavior. Check out a list of red flags to be aware of from ModernDogMagazine.com and for a free consultation visit www.ItsADogsWorld.biz.

• Ears flattened back to the head
• Cowering posture
• Shying away from interactions with other dogs and/or people
• Tail tucked between the legs
• Panting or shaking
• Dilated, glassy eyes
• Skulking, pacing, hiding, or escaping
• Whining or barking
• Raised hackles
• Fear of eye contact
• Sneering, nipping, or biting
• Submissive urination