Calling all parents of shy dogs
Does your dog cower, hide, or bark at people during walks? Many dogs experience fear around strangers. As a professional dog trainer in San Francisco, I often work with shy dogs. Here are my tips for creating positive associations with people to build your dog's confidence.
Use distance as your friend. On walks, create space from people so that your dog is comfortable. Look for loose body language and ability to eat a treat. Avoid flooding them or forcing interactions.
Pair sightings of people with tasty treats. When your dog notices a person, immediately feed them treats so they associate strangers = good things!
Embrace training as a process that happens over time. Don't rush or push exposure. You want all experiences to be positive.
Don't let strangers feed your dog by hand. It's safer for you to feed the treats at a distance from people your dog is nervous about. Even if your dog is excited about a treat, the outstretched hand of a stranger may be overwhelming or risky.
Avoid punishment or scolding. This can increase fear and anxiety in dogs. If your dog is doing a behavior you'd like to stop (such as barking), move away from the person your dog is barking at. Punishing a behavior driven by fear can make the problem worse. Instead, help your dog out by moving together to a spot where they feel safe.
Aim to grow your dog’s circle of friends at your dog’s pace. Success is more likely if you go at the speed at which your dog is comfortable. Give your dog experiences with new people that are safe and positive for your dog, and avoid encounters with new people that push your dog’s limits.
If you are struggling to make progress with training, work with a certified, humane, reward-based trainer.
With patience, choice of space and consistent training, fearful dogs can learn coping skills and feel more comfortable around people.