How to Socialize a Shy Dog

By Juliet Myfanwy Johnson

Instructions

Things You’ll Need:

Leash
Treats
Outings

Step 1:
Use every encounter with strangers that come at your house as a chance to train your shy dog. When you see someone coming to the door, have your cheese or treat ready (the tastier the treat, the better the result). When the doorbell rings, toss a treat to your barking dog. Clip a leash on him and take him to the door. Have him sit while you open the door. Give him a treat.
Step 2:
If the stranger comes inside, have him toss your dog a treat too, and ignore the dog. The dog probably won't take it, but once he figures out that every time a stranger comes in the door, there's food, his attitude will evolve from fear to joy.
Step 3:
Repeat the preceding steps many times. As your dog gets comfortable with strangers at the door, have him take the treat from the stranger's hand. After he's comfortable with that stage, the stranger can try to pet him. If the dog cowers, don't reward him. Ignore the behavior, back up a step, have the dog sit/stay and have the stranger toss the treat down. You can't force the dog; it has to be his idea to allow contact.
Step 4:
Take your dog on a daily walk. Start slowly, walking only in the same places to get him used to being out with you. Then try to vary your route, and always walk where there is the most activity. The goal is to get your dog to relax no matter what is going on around him. The only way to achieve this is by lengthy exposure over many months. As your dog loosens up, you can take treats along and reward him for good behavior (like obeying a sit/stay command) when strangers are near to him.
Step 5:
Take your dog with you as much as possible. Go to pet stores, the park, on hikes, to the beach, to outdoor malls or other places. It will be hard at first, but slowly your dog will enjoy being out with you. Taking along another, confident dog (or having one at home) can speed up the process immensely. Your shy dog will do whatever your confident dog does.

Tips & Warnings

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