by Monique Swyer

Created on: November 11, 2008   Last Updated: December 30, 2008

With time, patience and a few easy-to-follow techniques, you can help a timid rescue dog become a happy, confident member of your family.

First of all, in order to be able to work with a timid dog, don't give it too much room to roam or it will choose not to interact with you. You may need to pen the dog at first in a 10' x 20' run where you will have the opportunity to get close to the dog without scaring it. Spend time sitting in the pen near the dog without trying to force yourself on the dog. Let it get accustomed to its new home and claim its territory.

Speak at a normal conversation level with a timid dog and not a raised voice. Many dogs have been yelled at in their pre-rescue lives. Since a dog cannot understand what people are saying and don't know why they are being yelled at, they think they are always doing something wrong when people yell at them. Dogs really do want to please you and become frustrated when nothing seems to work. Talk to the dog as often as possible, so it hears your voice.

If you have other dogs, let the dogs all interact. Dogs understand and learn from other dogs. Make sure the timid dog sees how much your dog enjoys your company. A timid dog will also be more likley to approach you while you are petting another dog.

Let the timid dog learn that your touch feels good. Never cause your dog pain. Hitting a dog does not teach it anything but fear and mistrust. Stroke the dog's chest and back. Many dogs who have been beaten are hand shy, so don't try to pet their heads at first. Your dog might also enjoy a little massage of the back and neck or a good ear rub.

Part of being timid is actually just mistrust. It takes time for a dog to learn to trust you, especially if the dog was mistreated in the past. Being a food provider is a great way to start building trust. The pack leader of a dog pack is the provider. Make sure that the timid dog sees that the food it eats comes from you. Give your dog treats. If the dog will not come to you, you might have to lay down the treat and then back off so the dog will come forward to see what you put down. Sit nearby with a treat in your hand and wait for the dog to come to you. Do not charge the dog with a treat, or you will scare it. If you do not know how gentle the dog it, make sure to put the treat in an open palm instead of holding it out with your fingers.

Helping a timid dog blossom will take a lot of patience, but it can be done using these simple techniques. It is very rewarding to help build your timid dog's confidence and its trust in you.

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