How to Approach a Shy or Fearful Dog

By eHow Pets Editor

Instructions

Step 1:
Evaluate the situation and location. Don't go towards the dog quickly. Kneel a safe distance away from the dog and talk to it in a calm voice. The dog may be injured or traumatized and needs time to warm up to you.
Step 2:
Keep talking to the dog. Wait and see if the dog will come closer to you on its own. Slowly hold out one hand and let the dog come to you. If the dog doesn't come to you, slowly move towards the dog stopping for several minutes to allow the dog to adjust to you. This may take some time so be patient.
Step 3:
Heed the warning of a dog. Even a shy or fearful dog may growl. The growling is a warning that the dog is feeling threatened or they are scared. A shy or fearful dog may react by biting if you keep moving towards them.
Step 4:
Take care in how you bend to pick up a shy or fearful dog. A small dog might be scared if you tower over them. Stop before you are over the dog, kneel down slowly and then hold out your hand and give the dog the opportunity to come to you.
Step 5:
Avoid grabbing the dog by their collar. This will cause the dog to panic, run, growl or even bite. A slow cautious approach to the dog would be a much better approach. Keep talking to the dog while you try to leash it.
Step 6:
Watch your dog around other dogs. Determine if you need to work on socializing your dog with other dogs, animals, children and people in general. Dogs that are not socialized from the time they are puppies have a tendency to be shy or fearful around other dogs.

Tips & Warnings

You could be attempting to rescue a dog from the side of a highway or busy road. If so, move your vehicle safely off the road.
Hire a professional dog trainer to help you work with your dog if your dog is shy and fearful. It may take some time to figure out what is making the dog shy and fearful, so be patient.
Approach a shy or fearful stray dog with extra caution as you have no idea if this dog is injured, sick or abused in some way.

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