Tips for training a shy/scared dog

Get them used to your presence by gradually and daily sitting somewhere near their safe spot or comfort zone where they usually sleep.Every day get a little bit closer, and as silly as it may sound, read them a book while you are sitting there. It will get them used to the sound of your voice. Also, have some treats handy, especially meat,let them smell it and wait for them to approach you for the treat. Do not let them have too many treats, make them work for it by coming closer to you to get it. Remember to offer it to them with your hand under, not over, their head or they will see that as a threat. Once they are eating out of your hand comfortably, then calmly stroke them until they gradually get used to it.

Once they are comfortable with you and trust you, use the same technique to get a leash around their neck,get them used to the leash being near them and touching them. When they are calm and relaxed, pet them or give them a treat as a reward for their good behavior. Never praise or pet them when they are not calm and are in a fearful state of mind. Once they are comfortable with the leash being on them, calmly and assertively walk them outside, with you going out first so they know you are the alpha or pack leader. Walking is very important to the bonding process and the exercise will burn off some of their nervous energy.

Gradually introduce them to new people with the same methods you used to get them to trust you and let them go to that person, do not baby them or let them hide behind you when they see a new person.This way your dog will come out of that negative state of mind for good and be happy and sociable.

CURING SEPARATION ANXIETY

Using a method known as “planned departure” has proved to be very effective and is far more productive than simply correcting the behaviour as it goes to the source of the problem. The idea is to mould the dog's reaction by making a series of short departures. As the anxious response always occurs very shortly after the owner leaves the premises, the dog is left for only a few minutes (or even seconds to start with) to ensure the owner returns before the dog becomes frenzied. The owner should leave the house quietly without speaking to the dog and should not allow the dog to exhibit a prolonged greeting upon his or her return – simply ignoring the behaviour and turning away will gradually discourage this. The planned departures should be very slowly increased in length, never staying away long enough for the dog to become agitated or frenzied. This process takes time and patience, but it does eventually work. Once the dog is calm during a thirty minute departure, the length of time can be increased by larger increments.