How to Handle a Timid Dog
- 1). Use positive training. Praise your dog and give it treats for doing something good. Do not punish it for misbehaving. Correcting your dog by shouting, using a squirt bottle or a making an unpleasant noise will only make your dog more timid.
- 2). Practice desensitization techniques. Get your dog used to the things it's timid over or afraid of by gradually introducing it to them.
- 3). Work at your dog's pace. Never force it to go up to a person or an object they're afraid of. Let it approach the object in their own time.
- 4). Watch for signs that your dog is getting distressed, such as whining, pacing or panting. If you notice your dog being at all uncomfortable, remove it from the situation that's making it feel this way.
- 5). Take your dog to a socialization class. Let it meet other dogs in a safe and controlled environment.
