Having a shy or timid dog can be a challenge, but it’s also an opportunity to help them gain confidence and lead a more fulfilled life. Below, we’ll explore two engaging games that will help to boost your dog’s self-esteem. They will also strengthen the bond between you and your furry companion.
Targeting: One Game To Build Trust and Confidence In A Shy Dog
Gather Your Supplies:
- Begin by assembling treats, ideally your dog’s favorites, and some kibble.
Use Hand Signals:
- Extend your open hand toward your dog, palm facing them.
Positive Reinforcement:
- As soon as your dog touches, licks, or sniffs your hand, reward them with a treat and offer words of praise to reinforce the positive behavior. The photo below is one example of such a treat. Click on it to see what kinds of options are available to you. There is no obligation to make a purchase but if you do I may or may not receive a small fee that does not add one cent to your purchase price.
Repeat and Reinforce:
- To solidify the concept, repeat the process with your other hand.
Introduce a Verbal Cue:
- Gradually incorporate the command “touch” just before your dog interacts with your hand.
Embrace Environmental Challenges:
- To challenge your dog and build resilience, take the game to places where various distractions await. Dog parks, pet stores where animals are welccome, ball fields, and playgrounds, offer many different sounds, smells and visual stimuli.
Social Integration is an important step for the shy dog.
- Start off with giving your dog the opportunity to engage with people with whom they are familiar such as your neighbors and others in your community.
- The next step is to meet new people. Once your dog is comfortable touching hands they know, gently introduce them to strangers.
- Encouraging your dog to touch the hands of consenting strangers can significantly boost their confidence by helping them overcome their fear of the unknown.
Game #2: Tug of War Is Interactive Play To Build Confidence In A Shy Dog
Here are the three basic steps that you need to take.
- Choose the Right Toy: Opt for a durable, elongated dog toy designed for tugging and pulling.
- Playfully Engage: Hold one end of the toy while allowing your dog to grip the other.
- Friendly Competition: Engage in a friendly tug-of-war, making sure to let your dog win occasionally.
Contrary to common misconceptions, playing tug of war will not make your dog aggressive. Furthermore, allowing your dog to win from time to time doesn’t equate to promoting dominance. In fact, this game can help your shy pup regain any lost confidence.
Research suggests that playing tug of war with your dog can enhance their docility. This will ensure that they continue to follow your commands and reinforces your bond.
In Conclusion: Going from a shy dog to a confident and vibrant companion
Building your shy dog’s confidence is a rewarding journey that can lead to a happier and more well-adjusted pet. These two engaging games, targeting and tug of war, offer more than just entertainment. They promote trust, strengthen your bond, and boost your dog’s self-assurance.
Patience is key, as not all dogs will respond the same way or at the same pace. Celebrate even the smallest victories along the way. Soon, you will witness your dog becoming more eager to explore new experiences. He will be able to meet new people, and face unfamiliar situations with newfound self-assuredness.
Dogs with extreme shyness are at greater risk of becoming aggressive. Helping the shy dog to become more confident may help you avoid such an unpleasant outcome. If you are interested in learning more about this topic, check out this article. https://happymutt.org/understanding-aggression-in-dogs/
If your dog is more fearful than shy, you may wish to check out this article. https://www.cesarsway.com/what-to-do-about-a-fearful-dog/