Fostering or Adopting a Shy, Fearful Dog

If you’re thinking about fostering or adopting a shy, fearful dog you are about to embark upon one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. Shy and fearful dogs need lots of help to build confidence and learn to live a happy life. These are “project” dogs requiring patience and leadership. Progress will be made slowly, over time.

Lots of thought should be given to the special needs very shy dogs have before you make the decision to take one home with you. Here are a few things to consider:

Shy and fearful dogs tend to react out of context to common household occurrences. For example if a door slams, a confident dog will be startled for a moment but will quickly recover from the experience. In contrast, a fearful dog may submissively urinate then run and hide under the bed for the next hour. Or he may turn and snap at the person standing closest to him.

Because shy and fearful dogs overreact to many every day sights and sounds, their owners tend to coddle them. But comforting or coddling a frightened, trembling dog is a reward for the fearful behavior, and may actually serve to reinforce the fear.

Likewise, overly deferential behavior on the part of an owner sends the wrong message to a shy, fearful dog. It signals that the dog is the leader of the pack. Since the last thing that a fearful dog wants is the responsibility of protecting the pack, this will make the dog feel less secure in his environment.

Instead, we recommend the following steps when bringing a shy or fearful dog into you home:

Provide a kennel crate for your dog. Have the dog use the kennel crate for naps while you are home, for sleeping overnight, and whenever you are not home. This will help build confidence because the crate is a place of safety and security for the dog. It will also help prevent destructive behavior and housebreaking accidents. (Note: The maximum recommended time in the crate is 4 to 5 hours for an adult dog. If you can’t come home to give the dog an afternoon break, consider the use of doggy daycare or a pet sitter. DO NOT leave the dog outside in the yard when you’re not home. DO NOT install a dog door.)
For the first day or two, tether the dog’s leash to your belt as you go about your normal daily activities inside the home. Whenever this is not practical, put him back in his crate. This helps establish your leadership very quickly and it will have a calming effect on a fearful dog. By doing this, you are demonstrating to him that you are his leader and his protector.
Do not let the dog run loose in the back yard during the first few days. Fearful dogs may be hesitant to return back inside the home before they have settled in. Instead, walk the dog on a leash, even if your back yard is fenced, until the dog feels “at home” in his new surroundings.
When the dog behaves fearfully, IGNORE the fearful behavior and redirect the dog’s attention. Do not pet, sweet talk, comfort or praise the dog while he is behaving fearfully.
Take the dog for at least 2 daily walks for exercise. Traveling with the pack leader is a natural and enjoyable part of a dog’s life. Daily walks help build confidence.
Play with dog every day. Play is a natural behavior – dogs need to play in order to build confidence. Games which draw the dog to you (like fetch) are best. Avoid wrestling, slap fighting, chase games or any activity which pits the dog against you.
Tug of war can be a good confidence building game if you follow these rules: Reserve ONE specific toy for this game. You must start and end the game, not the dog. Put the toy away when you are done. The dog must be trained to release the toy on command. The dog must never let his teeth come in contact with any part of your body; end the play session immediately if his teeth touch you, even by mistake. Do not play tug with an aggressive dog. Small children should NOT play tug of war with dogs. Do not play tug with bully breeds (pits, pit mixes, American bulldogs).
Move slowly and deliberately around the dog. Sudden or fast movements, shouting, children racing through rooms etc. should be avoided.
Instruct guests and children to completely ignore the dog until he approaches them. If the dog approaches them, they should reach out palm up and scratch him under the chin or on the chest. DO NOT PAT the dog on the head. DO NOT hug the dog around the neck or head.
If the dog is afraid of something or someone, do not force the dog to approach. Instead, ignore the fear and redirect the dog’s attention.
Be the pack leader. Provide a daily routine and clear rules, boundaries and limitations. Ignore all demands made by the dog for attention.
The “high places” within the home signify rank in the dog’s mind. Therefore, it is a good idea to prevent the dog from having access to human furniture or beds.
There must be absolutely NO physical punishment of any kind. Use positive training methods only.
Never take a dog back to a housebreaking accident and put his nose in the mess. The dog will have no idea why you are doing this and it will break down the relationship with your dog. Instead, prevent accidents from happening in the first place, by providing constant supervision of the dog and taking him outside frequently (about once per hour).

Dogs with serious fear issues will benefit greatly from professional assistance and training. Canine Dimensions can design a program to help your dog gain confidence and live a happier life. Contact us for more information.