1. The Name Game
Your dog might be nervous whenever you speak to him. If that’s the case, getting him excited to hear his own name will be key to any interaction. Start by giving your dog treats each time you call him by his name. Then, when he begins to pay attention and respond to his name, simply say “yes” and follow up with a treat. This will show your dog that there is a positive relationship to his name. Eventually, you can have another human try using his name, however introductions should take place gradually to ease anxiety and allow your dog to socialize. Be aware that it could be months of training before getting to the point at which your pup is comfortable enough to meet a stranger.
2. Hand Targeting
Inviting your dog into new experiences with a positive attitude is important, and this game can help with this. Hold out a treat in your hands and let your dog chew the treat. Then, try closing the treat inside your hand as your dog is able to touch your fist and you give him the treat. Try holding out your hand that is closed, without treat. Once your dog touches it, give him the treat you have in you other hand. Eventually include a command like “touch” or “target” and start holding out toys or other objects for him to touch. If you want to continue this process after some practice, you may try having another person use the command. This will motivate your dog to discover new things and have positive memories of the event.
3. Run Away
A The Run Away game can be a way of avoiding stressful situations in an approach that makes your dog think you’re playing in a game. Sometimes, the situation is too stressful for a shy dog in training, so you’ll require some way to escape that won’t create stress. Play this fun game go for stroll and at regular intervals, say “run away” and turn and run for a couple of feet away in the reverse direction. If your dog is following then reward him with plenty of treats and praise. The dog will eventually come to consider this something fun and a reward, and you can use it as a means to avoid other pets or people who are too scary without causing anxiety or anxiety or.
4. Six New Things
This game can be a great way for your pet to be introduced to the concept of exploring. You can surround your dog with a circle comprised of six different objects. They can be anything from pet items to pillows. Then, when your pup moves away from the circle to investigate one of the items, give him the treat or an “yes”. Switch up the objects each time you play, and your dog will eventually think of exploring new things as an enthusiastic response. In the end, if you observe the natural behavior taking place on walks or in a new situation continue to reward and praise.
5. Walk And Watch
The exposure to other dogs as well as humans has to be introduced slowly with dogs who are shy. A great way to begin is with observation rather than direct interaction. Try going for a walk into a park in which there are other dogs and humans and just observe from afar. When your dog’s attention goes towards the other dogs as well as humans, reward him with rewards and praise. The positive associations game may eventually lead to interaction but it’ll take time. Your dog has to develop an environment of relaxation to lessen anxiety. watching and walking can start that process.
6. Treat Re-Treat
This game is a good method to introduce your dog to someone he will be frequently seeing like a family member or friend. Play Monkey-In-The-Middle with your dog standing in between you and the new human. Offer a treat to your dog to see before throwing it over his head. If your dog decides to go for the treat, ask the new human throw another treat to your dog to make him be closer to his new companion. Repeat the procedure, each time tossing treat closer towards the new person and further away from you. In time, your dog will realize that this new person is also a source of pleasure and will gradually attain a degree of relaxation. Don’t expect it to happen immediately or after one experience playing the game. It’s an process.
What other types of games and exercises are you doing to aid dogs that are shy? Tell us through the discussion box below!
