Shy, Anxious, and
Nervous Dogs
Cultivating Confidence is Key!
Developing confidence in a shy, anxious, or nervous dog requires consistent practice tailored to their needs. It's not just about repetition; it's about breaking down each skill into manageable components and gradually building proficiency until it becomes second nature for the dog.
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To illustrate, think back to when you first learned to drive. Initially, there were numerous elements to manage—brakes, steering, signals, mirrors, speed limits, and more. Yet, with practice, these tasks became automatic. Similarly, with dogs, we start slow, allowing them to grasp each behavior before advancing. With continued practice and improvement, we can gradually introduce more challenges, leading to increased confidence as behaviors become ingrained habits.
Management Vs. Training
When dealing with shy, anxious, or nervous dogs, we have two strategies available depending on the circumstances: Management and Training. Sometimes, we may employ one approach exclusively, while other times, a combination of both is necessary.
Management
Management involves consistently addressing situations where a dog is unbalanced, nervous, or lacks confidence when interacting with the world. It serves as a valuable tool during the process of teaching new behaviors to your dog and remains relevant throughout their lifetime, especially in the face of unfamiliar or intimidating circumstances.
Training
Training, on the other hand, entails instructing your dog in various behaviors that can be employed when they are feeling scared or fearful. By engaging their cognitive faculties, we provide them with a constructive focus, diverting their attention from negative habits. The more behaviors we instill in a dog and the greater their repertoire to draw upon, the less likely they are to react poorly to stressful stimuli.
One crucial aspect when dealing with a scared or fearful dog is maintaining constant vigilance, with one eye on your dog and the other on the situation at hand. Proactively addressing potential triggers before they escalate is key. For instance, if your dog is fearful of large men wearing hats and you spot one approaching, guide your dog aside, pause, and prompt them to perform a set of trained behaviors as the person passes. This preemptive management strategy allows you to intervene before the situation escalates.
Management, much like training, requires collaboration between you and your dog. Simply telling your dog what not to do may not suffice; instead, provide them with specific alternative behaviors to engage in, such as assuming a designated safe position by your side. For instance, we've taught our pups, when off-leash, to instinctively position themself just behind the right leg whenever they encounter something frightening on the trail. This safe position, which is taught her early on, serves as a cue for distress and places the dog in a location where we can offer protection and manage their behavior if necessary.
To shift your dog's fearful associations to ones of confidence, begin by teaching them a set of fundamental behaviors (e.g., touch, circle, look, high five, etc.) and practice them diligently at home until they become ingrained. Subsequently, gradually introduce these behaviors in new environments, reinforcing them consistently. Over time, this training will bolster your dog's confidence and provide valuable tools for managing challenging situations.
Key Guidelines to Keep in Mind
1. Limit time spent in new environments if your dog feels anxious, but aim to revisit them within a few days.
2. Stick to familiar walking routes to help your dog relax and master them—avoid frequent changes.
3. Accelerate confidence-building by honing specific skills—praise enhances their happiness and self-assurance.
4. Strive for proficiency in exercises to the point where they're executed automatically upon command.
5. Maintain consistency in your interactions and expectations to eliminate confusion for your dog.
6. Understand your dog's behaviors and preemptively address or appropriately respond to signs of distress.
7. Emphasize positive experiences and enjoyment during training sessions—stress inhibits learning.
8. Like humans, dogs are influenced by their appearance; grooming and grooming positively impact their confidence.
9. Encourage dogs by petting them under their chins, promoting lifted heads—similar to how humans stand tall or smile to boost confidence.
