Scared dogs are difficult to work with if you don't know the right way to approach them. Dog anxiety is the main reason a dog is afraid of people. This can be a result of different influences including genetics, a traumatic experience, limited socialization or even mixed messages from the dog's owner
Whatever the case, there are certain steps to follow when training a fearful or insecure dog afraid of people. If you are consistent with these concepts, you'll have the joy of watching your shy dog gain confidence.
Most anxieties and fears are treatable if we can gain control of the environment and set up situations which change the dog's perception of whatever it is that's causing their reaction. Like all dog training, it's a numbers game -- the rehabilitation will prove to be longer, more time-consuming, and more complex the more a dog has remained in a fearful or anxious state.
The technique we share here will help you build a solid start in reducing your dog's fear of people, and the anxiety that carries over. When you're teaching your dog to do something she previously considered scary, repeat the activity over and over. Repetition builds confidence. Practice the activity in a variety of locations, with a variety of external stimuli. Your dog will eventually realize that the activity is familiar and not to be feared.
Training a shy or fearful dog may take a bit more patience and time, but the rewards are tremendous. As long as you make sure your dog understands what you expect of her, you are consistent with your actions and reactions, and you are quick to reward good behavior, you're on the road to a happier and healthier relationship with your dog.
