If your dog is very shy or timid, there are things you can do to help him get over it. This is often a problem with smaller dogs, so adapt the tips below so they work best for you.
- Give your dog more tasks to focus on
A busy dog is paying attention to the task and not to their fear. You should start with the common-sense things, like sit and stay, and progress on to activities, such as retrieving, rolling over, and shaking hands. The more things your dog has been taught to do, the more confident he will be.
- Do expose your frightened pooch to more stimuli
Often, a shy dog just didn't get a lot of exposure to new things as a pup. You should try to take your dog with you to as many places as is convenient. By doing new things, you will be opening up your pet's world to new experiences and people.
- Watch your own behavior
If you are anxious and easily intimidated, your dog will sense this and react similarly. If you act confident and in control, your dog will also sense this in your behavior, which will ultimately reassure you dog and allow them to become more outgoing.
- Do expose your frightened pooch to more stimuli
Shy dogs can be helped to lose their shyness and become a more sociable, well-behaved pet. Again, it's all in your attitude and willingness on the success in adjusting your pet's behavior.
