Shy dogs can quickly steal hearts because people feel bad for them, which is why many people want to find out how to help shy dogs. Fostering or adopting a shy dog isn’t hard, but it’s much different than caring for an outgoing dog that loves attention. So, if you’re thinking about welcoming a shy dog into your home, there are some things to consider in advance.
There are lots of dogs in need of foster homes in Memphis, some of which are shy while others are very friendly. Please consider fostering one of the dogs at risk of euthanasia if you’re able because doing so would save a life.
“Why is My Dog So Shy and Scared?”
If a dog is shy, people are quick to want to “fix” them. However, like with humans, it’s normal for some dogs to be more timid than others. It only becomes a concern if the dog’s shyness is getting in the way of them enjoying life. For example, if a dog is so scared that they rarely leave their crate, that’s not good for their well-being.
When it comes to dog shyness, there’s not just one cause. Here are some reasons dogs can be excessively shy and fearful:
- They weren’t properly socialized as a puppy.
- They faced abuse/neglect in the past.
- Certain sounds, objects, and situations make them more fearful.
So, shyness in dogs can either be due to a rough past, improper training/socialization, or certain fears. Regardless of the reason a dog is shy, it’s possible to help them overcome their fears. Yet, helping a shy dog requires a lot of patience and consistency, so it’s not for everyone.
Signs a Dog is Scared
Learning dog body language is a great way to understand dogs better and prevent them from acting out when they’re stressed. If you see signs of fear in a dog, it’s best to remove them from the situation so things don’t escalate.
Here are some signs that a dog is scared:
- Avoiding eye contact
- Moving away from certain things (such as objects, people, or pets)
- Tail tucked
- Stiff body posture
- Lowering body to the ground
- Yawning or licking lips excessively
- Shivering
- Whining/whimpering
When dogs are nervous, the indicators start subtle. The longer you ignore a dog’s cues, the more it’ll escalate. If a scared dog is kept in an uncomfortable situation, they could snap at a person or pet. Thus, it’s crucial to pay attention to how a dog is feeling so you can remove them from the stressful environment as needed. Doing so is safer for the dog and everyone around them.
How to Help a Shy Dog Come Out of Their Shell
If you’re caring for a shy dog, forcing them to be social won’t help them. Instead, you need to be patient and let the dog come out of their shell at their own pace. Below are some tips to help you with that.
Set Up a “Safe Space” for Them
Whether you’re adopting or fostering a dog, make sure you give them their own space that’s just for them. This is a good idea for all dogs, but it’s especially important for shy dogs. This space typically includes an open crate with a cozy bed and some toys inside. If the dog is afraid of the crate, you can put a bed and some toys in the corner of the room instead.
To help the dog feel comfortable in their space, leave them alone whenever they’re hanging out there. If they’re resting inside the crate, do not reach into the crate to pet them or pick them up. When they’re in their own space, they probably want to be left alone, so you need to respect that. If they never leave their spot, try occasionally luring them away from it with a treat.
Keep a Distance from Them as Needed
As the dog is getting used to their new environment, don’t force them to hang out with you if they’re not ready. Most shy dogs like to hang out on their own until they’re comfortable around someone, so don’t force them to stay in the same room as you if you don’t have to. If the dog comes closer to you, don’t approach them because it could scare them away. Let them come to you on their own and don’t rush things.
Make Sure Your Body Language Isn’t Intimidating
To help a shy dog learn to trust you, you need to show them that you’re not a threat. Most people think you should stick your hand out for the dog to sniff, but towering over the dog and quickly extending your hand can be scary. So, whenever you’re near the dog, squat down so you’re at their level and move slowly toward them. Don’t pet them unless they come to you.
It can be frustrating to not be able to pet and cuddle a dog, but you need to give shy dogs more time to relax and feel comfortable in your presence. Whenever you’re near them, stay calm and relaxed. When you do pet them, pet them under the chin or on their chest. Reaching above them could scare them, especially if they’ve been abused.
Associate Socialization with Something Positive
Help a shy dog learn that socializing can be fun by associating it with something they love. Almost every dog loves some type of treat, but it may take a while to figure out what your foster dog’s preferences are. If commercial dog treats don’t work, try high-value treats like pieces of cheese or hot dogs.
Once you discover the dog’s favorite treat, keep those treats on you whenever you take the dog somewhere they have to socialize. When in a social setting, give the dog plenty of treats. Whenever they approach a new dog or person, give them extra treats. If the dog prefers toys over treats, you can try playing with their favorite toy in social settings.
Some dogs are so shy that they may not even take their favorite treats out of fear. So, start small. Take them for walks in areas where you can keep a safe distance from other people and dogs. Then, as they get more comfortable doing that, you can work your way up to busier environments.
Start Working on Training
Training is a great way to build confidence and trust in dogs. By teaching the dog a few basic commands, they’ll likely feel safer around you. Plus, you’ll be able to use those commands to help the dog focus on you instead of worrying about their surroundings in crowded settings.
How to Train a Shy Dog
Training is important for every new dog, but shy dog training might look a little different than training with confident dogs. Here are some tips to help you train a timid dog, whether you’re fostering or adopting them.
Focus on Positive Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement is the best type of training, especially for shy dogs. It involves rewarding dogs for doing things right rather than punishing them for doing things wrong. Scolding dogs often scares them and teaches them to be fearful of you. As a result, they may not understand exactly what you’re expecting of them.
Positive reinforcement makes expectations clearer to dogs and helps them bond with you. For timid dog training, it’s especially crucial because it lets the dog know that they’re in a safe environment. If a shy dog feels comfortable, they’re likely to pick up on new skills faster.
Start Simple
Rather than trying to fix complicated behaviors right away, you should start with basic commands. Then, once they understand simple cues, it’ll be easier to move on to advanced training.
“Sit” is a popular command that many dog parents start with. Once a dog knows how to sit, you can use that command to get their attention when they’re feeling scared. “Touch” is another great command that can get nervous dogs to focus on you. It involves having the dog touch their nose to your hand. Once your dog knows those basic commands, it’ll be easier to get their attention to lead into new commands.
Keep Training Sessions Short
Dogs can lose focus quickly, especially dogs who are still trying to get comfortable in their new home. So, only practice a command for a few minutes and then give your dog a break. A few brief sessions throughout the day are often more effective than one long training session. It’s important to end training sessions before the dog loses interest.
Break Commands Into Steps as Needed
If your dog isn’t understanding a command no matter how hard you try, you may need to break it down into smaller steps. This process is known as “shaping.” For example, if the dog is struggling to understand “lie down,” start by getting them to lower their head, then lower their body, and finally, lie down. Rewarding a dog for smaller steps can make it easier for them to understand the process.
Be Patient
When training any dog, you should always be patient. However, you need to be extra patient with shy dogs. It’s hard enough for them to come out of their shell and feel comfortable in their new home. So, learning new commands on top of that can be overwhelming. If they’re not understanding training right away, that’s okay. Go slow and help them learn at their own pace.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Shy Dogs Become Outgoing?
Dogs that are naturally shy will likely always be a little timid, but most dogs become a more outgoing once they’re comfortable around someone. Dogs that are nervous at the shelter but not shy overall may blossom once they get adopted and build trust with a human.
Are Shy Dogs Aggressive?
No, just because a dog is shy doesn’t mean they’re aggressive. However, shy dogs are more likely to display nervous body language, which could lead to growling and biting if not handled correctly. If you ever notice your dog acting uncomfortable, remove them from that situation if possible.
Can You Pick Up Shy Dogs?
Nervous dogs usually prefer not to be picked up. So, if that’s the case, avoid picking the dog up unless necessary. It’s best to get them comfortable with being touched before they’ll be okay with being held.
How Should You Introduce Shy Dogs to Other Dogs?
When introducing a shy dog to another dog, take it slow. Start by having them meet from a distance or with a door/gate in between them. If the dogs react calmly to each other, then you can work your way up to having them meet face-to-face.
Fostering Shy Dogs Can Save Lives!
It’s normal for dogs to be shy, especially in new environments. Some dogs are more timid than others, especially if they’ve had rough pasts or weren’t well-socialized. Finding out how to help a shy dog is a great way to prepare you for bringing a nervous dog home, whether you’re fostering or adopting them. Being in a comfortable environment is essential for helping shy dogs gain confidence.
Are you interested in fostering a dog? There are plenty of dogs, both shy and outgoing, that need foster homes. If you live near Memphis, please consider fostering one of the dogs at risk of euthanasia. Welcoming one into your home would save their life.
