Boosting the Confidence of a Shy Dog
Do you know of a shy dog? There could be many reasons why that dog is shy! Some dogs didn’t have enough positive socialization when they were younger. Other dogs may be born shy and reserved. No matter the reason, many dogs can be helped so they are more comfortable in their daily interactions. We wanted to help by providing some tips on how you can boost the confidence of a shy dog. Be sure to share the article with your friends and family. You never know what other dogs you may be able to help!
- Build a strong bond. You must make it a priority to establish a strong bond with your dog. Remember that trust is everything! You must get your dog to trust you. This will assure them that you will always have their back no matter what. Give them extra attention, go for walks in new places, give treats, and praise them.
- Identify the triggers. It is important to know why the dog is shy. Are they nervous around new people or other dogs? Do loud sounds cause them to hide? Pay attention to your dog and watch to see exactly what causes your dog to hide, run away, or growl. It is difficult to help your dog when you do not understand what worries them the most.
- Manage behavior. Once you’ve identified the triggers and emotions, it is time to develop a management plan. For example, you may need to move your dog away from the fear. This will teach them to trust you while proving that you can always keep them safe.
- Training is a plus. There are so many benefits to obedience training! Start with the basics like sit, stay, down, leave it, watch me, and come. Use positive reinforcement and praise your dog for their hard work. Training is great because it yields success and boosts confidence at the same time.
A dog who was born shy may gain confidence but will always have that tendency to be shy, reserved, and cautious. Furthermore, a dog who became shy because of experiences may overcome that shyness. Just keep in mind that they will probably retain some of the learned fearfulness. Therefore, it is important to be aware of your dog’s natural and normal behaviors while managing the environment to keep them safe.
