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Adding a rescue dog to your family will require you to open up your heart along with your home. If your new canine companion is timid, there is likely good cause, but you've got your work cut out for you. With your patience, love and reassurance, your new friend can be helped to overcome his fears, and start to enjoy a happy and carefree life.

The key to helping your timid rescue dog is to instill confidence. There's no way of knowing exactly what he's experienced thus far in life, but his timid nature shows he's lacking in confidence. Your patience and reassurance will build his confidence and help alleviate his fears.

ADJUSTING TO SURROUNDINGS

Your home is yet another new experience. Allow him time to adjust to this new environment, without any pressure. Although you're excited to welcome your new friend, give him time to get comfortable with his new surroundings. This is especially true for children, who will want to to cuddle and play with your new addition. Initially this will only add to his anxiety, and cause him to feel threatened, give him his space. Provide him with a safe haven of his own. A kennel is good. Keep the door open so he can come and go as he feels the need.

NOISE

As he is familiarizing himself with his new surroundings keep noise levels at a minimum. This is all new to him, and you want to ensure it's as comforting as possible. A house filled with noise and chaos is sure to be stressful. Keep televisions and stereos low and prevent the kids from engaging in loud, rough play. Even your tone of voice will have an impact. Your dog can relate to your tone, so keep it calm and soothing.

FORMING A RELATIONSHIP

Once he has had a chance to get used to his new home, it's time to make him comfortable with you. This is going to take time and patience, as you must earn his trust. Prior experiences with humans may not have been pleasant, leaving him leery and suspicious. You might want to hug and cuddle him, but these good intentions will only make him feel threatened. Offer a hand and see if he'll come to you. If not, then wait for him to come to you. Even if he just sits beside you, without permitting you to touch him, you're making progress. When he does allow you to pet him, approach him from underneath his chin, and give a gentle pet on his chest. Reaching over top of his head to pet him is threatening and will instill fear in him. Always speak to and approach him from where he can see you. Don't startle him from behind. He'll come to realize, although

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