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Help Your Dog Overcome His Shyness

In many ways looking at a group of puppies is just like watching a group of kids at the local playground or schoolyard. Some of the kids will be outgoing and bold, while others will be timid and shy. Experienced parents can spot these traits in their own kids in a second, and spot them in other kids as well. Pet parents can also recognize their pet’s personality traits, and shyness can be a common problem for all breeds of dogs.

Timid dogs can be targets

Some dogs are naturally shy and timid, but for others their shyness can become a real liability. Not only is the shy dog more likely to be picked on by bolder animals, but he may become frightened more easily as well. When you consider that many dogs may bite or snap when frightened, it is easy to see what helping your dog overcome his shyness is so important.

When dealing with a particularly shy dog it is helpful to understand that every dog will have his own level of boldness. Dogs are pack animals by nature, of course, and not every dog can be the leader. A group of dogs will quickly establish their own hierarchy, with the boldest and most confident dog generally emerging on top. This kind of organization is perfectly natural, and it has served the wild ancestors of domestic dogs well for millions of years.

When your shy dog needs help

Of course what works in the wild doesn’t necessarily translate to the domestic world, and it is up to each dog owner to assess their dog’s level of shyness and determine whether any intervention is needed. Some dogs are simply shy by nature, and if that shyness is not causing problems it is possible that no help is needed. If problems are occurring, however, it may be necessary to take action.

Some dogs are naturally shyer than others, but if he is too timid he may be a target to other dogs.

For instance, if the dog is constantly being set upon by other dogs at the park, at doggy daycare, while out on a walk or in other situations it may be necessary to help the dog become more assertive. There are a number of ways to accomplish this goal, but it all starts with building confidence in the animal.

Slowly build confidence

If the dog needs help overcoming his shyness it may be a good idea to start off in a safe place where the dog feels comfortable. This safety zone may be the home, the backyard of the house or any other space where the animal feels comfortable. If the dog is uncomfortable or shy around other animals, introducing a small, friendly and non-threatening animal may be a good start. A small and friendly dog can help the dog overcome his shyness, and other animals, like rabbits or guinea pigs, can be good choices as well.

When making these introductions it is best to start with a few minutes of interaction at a time. Start off slowly and build up the amount of interaction as time goes on. The shy dog will slowly come to see that there is nothing to be afraid of, and his confidence level will begin to build.

Obedience school provides further help

After the dog has become a bit less apprehensive there are some additional steps dog owners can take. One of the best socialization exercises for any dog is enrollment in an obedience class. Not only with a basic obedience course teach the dog how to be a good canine citizen, but it will also help to teach him how to get along with all kinds of dogs. Some dogs enrolled in the class are likely to be bold and dominant, while others will be shyer and more timid. During the course the dog will learn how to deal with all these canine personalities.

Regular trips outside the home will also help the shy dog to become a bit more assertive. Controlled walks around the neighborhood are a great way to teach the dog that he is safe in his environment and that other dogs can be valued friends. Walking your dog regularly is also a great way to assert your role as pack leader and let him know that he is safe and protected when in your company.

The shy dog will not become a bold and assertive canine overnight, and every dog will retain his own personality. The key is to understand the dog’s needs and help to fulfill them. It may take some time and lots of patience to reduce the shyness in your own dog, but it will be worth it in the end. So don’t give up; help your dog overcome his shyness and watch him blossom.