How to bond with a nervous dog.
Self-control is your best friend in this situation. A skittish, shy canine only gets better if they are allowed to go at their own pace. By being patient, you give the fearful dog the best chance to trust you and access more closely, and (we hope) to finally welcome being pampered.
The more you can forgo the perfectly natural desire to get closer or interact when the canine is not yet ready, the more likely they will continue to make progress. As the dog becomes less scared and more satisfied, they will be more inclined to see you as not a threat.
Here Are Some Tips for Helping Skittish canines Learn to Commit
• Use the best possible treats.
The treats aim to get a skittish dog to associate you with positive emotions, and the better the goodies are, the smoother that is. Practice with a few kinds to see which are most appealing to him.
• Try toys, although it might be a bust, at least at the beginning.
Some dogs love them, and time to play with them can free pups up to joy and fun after they’ve had bumpy times in their growth. Other shy dogs who have had a hard time are too engaged with the basics of food, water, and safety to act enthusiastic.
Try calmly offering a few other types of playthings and see if he is responsive. Also, realize that while he may not be interested now, that could shift as he gets more pleased and tolerant. If he doesn’t take to playthings right away, don’t give up on them, and try again in the future.
• When the dog is around walk-in a big, broad ring.
Some dogs do better with action and motion than with the built intension of people standing quiet. Keep moving and let him accompany you and your other canines. Allow him to follow you—or not, as he desires—without giving any notice to him. This makes a low-pressure situation for many puppies, who will often join the movement of the crowd.
• Make a concerted effort not to be intimidating to skittish canines
Remain calm, speak softly, and continue to avoid glaring at him. Skip wearing a backpack or hat or toting items when he’s near and let him come to you instead you’re approaching him. Rotate a little to the side or kneel, making you less frightening. Be predictable; if your dog recognizes what’s coming, he’ll be better able to deal with it. Fearful canines, including those without a lot of interaction with individuals, do not like being startled. A dog will always let you know how near he wants you to be.
His early experiences and genetics–factors beyond your supervision—may limit his capacity to connect. Go on accepting him for who he is as an individual, respecting his limits and timeline instead of pushing him to be like most canines. Not all skittish pups become comfortable with being tickled.
In summary, be gentle and patient, letting your dog determine how far you can go with him. Please continue trying a few new approaches, and I hope that his confidence in you grows and his fear decreases. Have faith in your instincts and the knowledge that you have become your dog’s family and best friend; his home is with you.
