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they begin to relax more. Don't worry if they don't eat at first, often nerves can be a deterrent so that is why it's best to get them to relax first. Offer the food and don't hover around the bowl. Give them 15 minutes to eat and if they don't, pick up the bowl and try again on the second feed. DO NOT OFFER a continual source of food. Trust me, they won't "nibble" when you're not looking and a Dog will bond with you more readily if they respect the fact that you are a major source of their survival. They will begin to trust you more readily. When they trust you, they will look to you for direction.

3. DON'T OVERTALK HIM: Too much verbal interaction can cause stress because they don't really know what you are saying nor expect of them. Keep your words simple and your tone kind and even. Be verbally quiet around them at first.

4. QUIET THE ENVIRONMENT: If you have a chaotic household with TV's on in every room, kids running around and being kids, try to be mindful of toning it all down for awhile as the Dog acclimates to his new environment. I always have soothing Classical Music on a radio playing softly as this is very relaxing for Dogs (and people!) and also minimizes outdoor noise. 5. KEEP LEASH WALKS SHORT & POSITIVE: Many rescues are not familiar with a leash as well as a timid Dog can quickly become overwhelmed with too much outside stimulus. So quietly take them out so they can relieve themselves and keep it brief. Unless they are showing signs of loving it out there (sniffing, curiosity, etc.) don't make it a long drawn out affair. Let them slowly adjust. Not everydog is in great physical shape yet for a good long walk anyway. Build up to it slowly.

6. DON'T TRY TO INTERACT WITH THEM: Again, just let them be for awhile. Don't force them to do anything particularly. Even though your intentions of a nice body hug or lots of petting are good ones, physical contact can sometimes feel a bit threatening at first until they begin to trust you. Often, we have no idea the Dog's history and it's always best to assume the worst and go from there. If they show signs of coming to you and relaxing with a pet or physical affection, great! but just don't do it until they ask you to.

7. HAVE PATIENCE: Every rescue truly has their own timeline of coming out of their shells. There are no rules. If you simply go about your household activities consistently and act confident yourself, the Dog will pick up on this energy and begin to trust you more. Sometimes the above suggestions take only a day or two and sometimes, weeks to much longer! But what's the hurry?

So before you start training or begin to expect too much from your timid rescue dog, know that you need to give him time to acclimate himself to his new home and routines. If you are calm, kind and patient without feeling sorry for him, you will soon begin to see a brand new loving dog emerge from that timid shell. Nothing can be more rewarding knowing that you have helped this dog begin his first steps of learning to be a happy, well balanced dog for the remainder of his life! Instilling confidence is the very first step!

Learn more about this author, Justine Blair Carroll.
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