70 – Fearful and Shy Dogs
Bradley had to be one of the most beautiful dogs I'd seen. He was rescued by a loving couple who wanted to see that he would have a wonderful life. They dote on their dogs, giving each the best of everything. And Bradley seemed grateful – to the woman. To the man, he was elusive and did his best to avoid even being in the same room. Was the man cruel to Bradley in some way? No, not even close. This is a man who is kind and patient and who was hurt by the reaction of the dog to him. Who wouldn't be?
Many people believe a dog is fearful or shy because it was abused. While this can be the case, there are other reasons why a dog may be shy. Genetics is one. I encourage people considering the purchase of a puppy to be sure to meet both the sire and dam of the puppy. If either is fearful - sometimes presented by the breeder as he/she is “protective of the puppies” - the chance is great that the puppy will grow up fearful as well.
Shyness may also be the result of lack of proper socialization. As Dr. Ian Dunbar states, you have 16 weeks to make sure you have laid a good foundation for the dog. Puppies who have not had the opportunity to interact with a variety of people, things, and other dogs may be cautious of them in the future. While puppies do go through a fear period between 8 and 12 weeks of age, it is not considered normal for one 8 weeks of age or younger to be shy of people. Know this before you choose a pup unless you would like the next 10 to 12 years of your life arranged around accommodating your fearful/shy dog.
Dogs may also suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). As reported at www.vetinfo.com, symptoms of PTSD in dogs may present as “increased stress and anxiety, often manifested by breaking house-training, whining, barking and howling, or hiding for no reason.” Dogs confined to a crate for long periods of time, dogs who are living in a shelter or overcrowded rescue, dogs who have been abandoned, any of these may result in symptoms which are characteristic of PTSD.
If you already have a shy or fearful dog, what can you do to help him coexist in a world filled with terrifying people and objects? The whole process of working with a shy dog may consist of two steps forward, one step back. While you may have a timetable for progress in mind, your dog will work at his/her own pace. Patience will be required.
Here are some simple things you can do to help your shy dog:
A thorough checkup with a good vet to rule out any physical causes such as deafness or vision impairment is recommended. A veterinary behaviorist may prescribe medication.
Establish a bond with her. Let her enter your space and calmly reward her for any interaction. Do not force her into interacting with you or others.
Make a “safe place” for him. This is an area that is relatively secluded and off limits to everyone. It can be a crate, a room, or even a spot behind a piece of furniture.
Manage her environment. Whatever she is scared of, do all you can to prevent her from encountering it until you have established a plan to desensitize her.
Be consistent. All dogs do better when they know what to expect.
Teach him how to play. Many shy dogs, espeically those from puppy mills, have never played and must be taught how. Start with low-key games like “find the treat” and work up to games that involve more interaction.
Teach a good “Touch,” which is simply teaching the dog to target your hand with her nose.
Find different ways to calm your dog. There is a wide variety from massage, Tellington Touch (TTouch), and anxiety wraps to soothing music such as Through a Dog's Ear, dog appeasing pheromone (marketed as Comfort Zone), and OTC medications such as Rescue Remedy, Melatonin, and L-Theanine (of course, check with your vet before trying medications).
Seek information from those who understand shy dogs. Dr. Patricia McConnell has a small booklet titled The Cautious Canine: How to Help Dogs Conquer Their Fears. You might also enjoy reading her blog (www.theotherendoftheleash.com/) about her puppy, Hope, who has fear issues. Debbie Jacobs started a wonderful website - http://www.fearfuldogs.com/ - after adopting Sunny, a fearful Border Collie, from a hoarding situation.
Living with a shy or fearful dog is difficult. Many days you will find yourself angry, disappointed, frustrated, and questioning your sanity. The dog may not ever be what most people consider a “normal” dog. That's okay. Each step forward, no matter how small, is an opportunity to celebrate progress. Little improvements bring large rewards. Most of all, we learn to love our furbrains just as they are.