Timid Dog Training

Bringing a new furry best friend into your home is always an adjustment, but when your pup is so apprehensive that bonding seems impossible, it takes extra effort on your part. A dog might be shy due to its genetic temperament, a lack of socialization, trauma or abuse. A slow approach and timid dog training techniques that incorporate positive reinforcement will have you both feeling more relaxed over time.

Offering treats is the best way to implement a positive reward system your dog can relate to. Use soft, tasty treats that are sure to entice -- chicken, cheese, hot-dogs -- in bite-sized chunks. Have treats ready each time you train your dog, and offer one every time the dog exhibits the behavior you're working to cultivate. Let your pooch know you're in control and always offer words of praise in a happy tone.

Some dogs are particularly mistrusting of a hand reaching out toward them. Hand targeting is a technique that gradually helps your fearful dog to stop shying away from a friendly pat or stroke. Keep treats in one hand and from a kneeling or squatting position, extend the other hand, palm up, toward your dog. When the dog touches your palm with its nose, immediately offer praise and a treat. Choose a quiet place to work on hand targeting so your pup doesn't get distracted, and repeat the process several times during each training session. Once your dog is comfortable with you, friends and family members can use the hand targeting technique to gain Fido's trust, too.

Coddling and consoling a timid dog won't pull it out of its shell, but it's also important not to force anything on a frightened dog. A dog that feels cornered may become aggressive and will likely remain fearful despite training attempts. Let a dog that's fearful of people make the first approach and don't initiate eye contact when you first begin a training regime. Calm a dog that's afraid of a strange object or loud noise by creating systematic exposures to the feared object. Lure your dog past a strange object with a treat. Make a loud noise in another room and cheerfully call your dog to come for a treat and investigate the not-so-scary sound.

Providing your pooch with confidence-building experiences such as obedience classes, agility training or even a focused game of catch can go a long way in eliminating fearful behaviors. Pets are pros at picking up on the moods and mental states of their owners; project an upbeat, relaxed vibe when you're together and your dog will draw strength from your example.

Toledo Dog Training, Perrysburg Puppy Trainer, Maumee Pet
www.toledodogtraining.com
Toledo Dog Training offers a variety of services in The Greater Toledo Area (Perrysburg, Maumee, Ottawa Hills, Sylvania, Rossford & Spring Meadows).Some of our ...
Fearful Dogs
fearfuldogs.com
Information and advice for owners and trainers of fearful, shy, anxious and aggressive dogs.
How To Work With A Timid Dog - I Heart Paws - Pet Community
www.iheartpaws.com/articles/76/1/How-To-Work-With-A-Timid-Dog/Page...
How to work with a timid, submissive, or shy dog. ... Training a timid or shy dog poses a unique set of problems for the owner or the trainer.
How to stop lunging and barking- Train 'Let's Go!'- clicker dog ...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eo-L2qtD7MQ
How to stop lunging and barking- Train 'Let's Go!'- clicker dog training shy reactive dogs This exercise is a MUST for shy, reactive, or aggressive dogs ...
Giving into leash pressure- clicker dog training shy reactive dogs ...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q4vEayrRyB0
Giving into leash pressure- clicker dog training shy reactive dogs This exercise benefits all dogs but is especially useful for shy, reactive, or over ...
Shy Dogs: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
kimmurphy.net/shy-k9s-faq.html
SHY DOGS FAQ DISCLAIMER: This FAQ is intended to be helpful resource, not an authoritative text. Suggestions were gleaned from the reading and personal experience
Dog Training UK - Home Page
www.dogtraininguk.com
Dog Training UK How many times have you thought, "If only my dog was well behaved and obedient how much more enjoyable it would be to go out for a walk."
Adam's Dog Training and Dog Behavior - Adam reveals which dog ...
www.dogproblems.com
Adam reveals which dog training techniques, methods and dog training approaches are most effective for obedience training a dog
Gun Shy Dogs - estopher on HubPages
estopher.hubpages.com Dogs and Dog Breeds Hunting with Dogs
The first thing to know about gun shy dogs is that it can be avoided. Once a dog is already deemed gun shy it is a very difficult trait to break.