Living Free Animal Sanctuary rescues many dogs and over time we find that some are very shy and fearful, almost to the point of being feral. There have been some dogs that are so shut down that it takes months of the staff working with them to bring them out of this fearful state. What makes a dog shy or fearful and how can we help them?

Some dogs are naturally more shy or fearful than others, while others may have experienced trauma or abuse. Sometimes, a dog may not have been properly socialized to new situations, other dogs, or humans. Whatever might be causing a dog to run and hide from the approach of a person, insecurity is generally the basis for most dog’s shyness and fear behavior.  

Signs of shy, fearful dogs could include:

  • Tail tucked between the legs
  • Cowering, lowered body posture
  • Submissive urination
  • Backing away from interaction with people or other dogs
  • Ears flattened back to the head
  • Panting, shaking, or whining
  • Dilated, glassy eyes
  • Avoidance of eye contact 

So where do you start?  Trust is the foundation for building up a dog’s confidence.  Here are a few tips for helping a shy or fearful dog come out of their shell:

  • Companionship. Simply spend quality time in the same space as a dog, asking nothing from them. Bring a few tasty treats and toss them nearby to associate your presence with something positive.
  • Get down to the dog’s level. Sitting on the ground or on a low level will make you less intimidating.
  • Let the dog come to you. This will take time and patience. When he is ready, a dog will start to become curious and familiar with your presence. He may approach for treats or pets. 
  • Pet under chin and on the sides. As a dog becomes more comfortable, start by petting him under his chin and on the sides of his body. Avoid petting over the head or in areas where he cannot see your hands. 

The next important step is exercise.  A tired dog is a happy dog. Exercise helps loosen the body and relax the muscles. Going on a walk or playing fetch will help engage a dog’s mind and prevent him from worrying or overthinking. To teach a shy dog how to walk on a leash, here are some basic training tips:

  • Create a positive connection to the leash. When you first put a leash on a dog, give him treats and praise. Make sure to only leash him if he is in a calm state. If he seems tense or nervous, wait for him to relax. 
  • Take short walks. Keep training sessions brief and end on a positive note. This may mean simply walking around your yard, giving treats and praise, and then removing the leash. Slowly build to taking walks down the street and eventually around the neighborhood. 
  • Let the dog pick the pace. Shy or fearful dogs may shut down and refuse to walk. Patiently wait for him to begin walking again. Praise and reward movement. Never pull or force a shy dog to move.
  • Change directions often. Keep a shy dog’s mind engaged by changing directions frequently. The more he focuses on where you’re going, the less he will worry or feel scared. 

Our Kennel Supervisor, Edgar Santiago, provided his knowledge and insight for this article by demonstrating some of these tips and tricks with one of our recent rescues, Alfie. However, there are many other ways you can help a shy or fearful dog. For more information, please contact our kennel at 951-321-9982 or kennel@warhorsecreek.com.