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How to Approach a Shy or Fearful Dog
Do you know a fearful or shy dog that you would like to approach? If so, then knowing the basics of dog psychology might come in handy.
First of all, let's look at the behavior of dogs when the sense a threat: They will bare their teeth and make themselves appear as large as possible through standing tall. Both these behaviors are attempts to intimidate their opponent.
So, the last things you want to do is smile at a dog or stand up and approach it. If you are standing, then kneeling down will make you look less threatening. If you lie down then you have reduced your size to their size.
Another thing to keep in mind is that dogs are territorial. This makes them defend their territory. SO do not make them feel like you are a threat to their territory. Also be mindful that as pack animals, dogs will be inclined to defend other pack members.
In the dog's mind, the dog's owner is a critical part of his pack, and he will defend him. So when approaching the dog, make sure that the dog does not end up between his owner and you.
Ideally, you would also want the dog to realize that other pack members accept you. This would make him more open to your approach. Try to win the dog's acceptance rather than cornering him or even chasing him - or he will only get more afraid.
If a dog is really fearful, and you would like to change that, here are three aids you can use: The first one is food. Ask the dog's owner whether you can give the dog small pieces of food. If he says yes, throw some pieces in your dog's direction. This will make him come closer to you.
The second is curiosity, hold your hand in a cupped position where the dog cannot see the inside and run your thumb slowly across the top of your fingertips. The movement will attract the dog's attention and it will want to see what is in the hand - then give him a treat.
And finally, you can always play a game with the dog. This can help break the ice between the dog and a person. Most importantly, let the dog approach you more than you approaching the dog.
First of all, let's look at the behavior of dogs when the sense a threat: They will bare their teeth and make themselves appear as large as possible through standing tall. Both these behaviors are attempts to intimidate their opponent.
So, the last things you want to do is smile at a dog or stand up and approach it. If you are standing, then kneeling down will make you look less threatening. If you lie down then you have reduced your size to their size.
Another thing to keep in mind is that dogs are territorial. This makes them defend their territory. SO do not make them feel like you are a threat to their territory. Also be mindful that as pack animals, dogs will be inclined to defend other pack members.
In the dog's mind, the dog's owner is a critical part of his pack, and he will defend him. So when approaching the dog, make sure that the dog does not end up between his owner and you.
Ideally, you would also want the dog to realize that other pack members accept you. This would make him more open to your approach. Try to win the dog's acceptance rather than cornering him or even chasing him - or he will only get more afraid.
If a dog is really fearful, and you would like to change that, here are three aids you can use: The first one is food. Ask the dog's owner whether you can give the dog small pieces of food. If he says yes, throw some pieces in your dog's direction. This will make him come closer to you.
The second is curiosity, hold your hand in a cupped position where the dog cannot see the inside and run your thumb slowly across the top of your fingertips. The movement will attract the dog's attention and it will want to see what is in the hand - then give him a treat.
And finally, you can always play a game with the dog. This can help break the ice between the dog and a person. Most importantly, let the dog approach you more than you approaching the dog.
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