timid dogs Qz: Recently my mother adopted a shelter dog. It is beautiful but very timid. I have tried working with the dog, healing , basic training ect. but still very timid around me and other men. Any thoughts?  Nicotina2: Exposure to men along with positive reinforcement. (food or petting) If your mother takes the dog to meet a man it would be best for her to show no fear of how the dog will react. Approach the man, if the dog gets nervous put the dog in a sit and wait it out. Keep going until the dog is near the man. Have the man show affection and perhaps give a treat. The more positive experiences the dog has with men around, the more likely the dog is to have confidence. Do not try to "comfort" the dog. It becomes negative reenforcement. Good luck. jink88: Give it some time. Very stressful for a dog or cat for that matter to be in a shelter plus who knows what happened before? You have to gain their trust. | Animals Chat Room 11 People Chatting Similar Conversations |
