How to Train a Timid Dog - Learn the Techniques That Help Your Dog Gain His Confidence
Have you noticed that your dog is timid or shy around other people or dogs? Is he jumpy around unfamiliar or unexpected noises? Sport specific training such as agility can help train a timid dog by providing the atmosphere and framework that will build confidence.
Now having said that, while these classes offer an excellent opportunity for you as an owner to learn about the sport and how to train, your four-legged buddy may not be up for all the action.
He may feel quite comfortable under your chair or on your lap for a while before he is ready to take part in the fun.
Not to worry.
That only means that the process just has to start slow.
See, as with many folks, dogs have comfort zones and a shy or timid dog learns within that area.
Therefore, his training should begin there where he is safe.
And the behaviors of the agility sport must be taught in small increments.
This being the case, it is likely the best place to for you to train a timid dog will probably be at home.
This leads to the next question.
How do I train my dog at home? First, you'll need some instructions on the "how tos" as well as dos and don't of agility.
You'll also need some agility equipment.
Fortunately, there are a number of websites and dog training facilities that can provide you with excellent information regarding agility training.
In addition, there are plenty of videos and books on the topic that offer details, visual aid, and even lesson plans about this subject.
And they cover both ends of the spectrum from beginners to experts.
Having some agility training equipment at your home will prove to be useful.
In acquiring this equipment, you can build it yourself, buy it, or even rent it at some specific locations.
What equipment you choose to use depends on the space you have available and location where you will train your timid dog.
For example, how big is your yard? Can it hold 6, 8, or 10 obstacles? Can it stay set up or does it need to be taken down after every training session? The stability of the equipment is important as your timid dog needs to feel safe while working with it.
A great place to begin with stable equipment is to use an adjustable pause table set at 12" to start.
This is a good beginning for all sizes of dogs.
Knowing that your pup is shy and timid set that table up in an area that is familiar to him.
If he barks at new things, begin with the pause table in the house so he can get use to it.
He'll inspect it and smell it on his own or with a little coaxing.
It's important to remember not to put a lot of pressure on your dog by pushing him into acceptance of the table.
After all, baby steps work best with an insecure pet such as your timid dog is.
Using treats in a dish or by placing his favorite toy on the table will help encourage him to get up on it.
Be patient as this step itself may take some time and multiple lessons.
If over time the treats or toy don't do the trick, try to hold him while sitting on the table.
With a bigger dog that can't be held, sit on the table and have him on a leash.
If he backs away, try coaxing him to you but be sure to only reward or treat him when he comes to you.
Treating or rewarding him when he's backing away sends him the wrong signal.
Given time and the right training, eventually your timid dog will hop on the table with only your cue word.
When you announce, "table", "mesa", "box", or whatever word you've chosen as your cue, he should jump on the table.
Continued training should train your timid dog to stay on the table as you back away and then come when you call him.
As with the other training, baby steps here means the distance is built slowly.
A contact trainer is a good transition from the pause table for your shy dog.
The contact trainer is made in various designs.
However, a 3-piece contact trainer with a mini A-frame side, a pause table, and mini dog-walk side is highly recommended.
With this equipment, your pup can sit on the pause table and then be woo'd down the A-frame or dog-walk side.
And again, training in small increments avoids the possibility of overwhelming your four-legged friend causing him to shut down.
Following these techniques to introduce your dog to agility training and working with new obstacles will help him to succeed in overcoming his shyness.
And as you train your timid dog and he conquers each new piece of equipment, you'll get excited as you watch his confidence grow.
Now having said that, while these classes offer an excellent opportunity for you as an owner to learn about the sport and how to train, your four-legged buddy may not be up for all the action.
He may feel quite comfortable under your chair or on your lap for a while before he is ready to take part in the fun.
Not to worry.
That only means that the process just has to start slow.
See, as with many folks, dogs have comfort zones and a shy or timid dog learns within that area.
Therefore, his training should begin there where he is safe.
And the behaviors of the agility sport must be taught in small increments.
This being the case, it is likely the best place to for you to train a timid dog will probably be at home.
This leads to the next question.
How do I train my dog at home? First, you'll need some instructions on the "how tos" as well as dos and don't of agility.
You'll also need some agility equipment.
Fortunately, there are a number of websites and dog training facilities that can provide you with excellent information regarding agility training.
In addition, there are plenty of videos and books on the topic that offer details, visual aid, and even lesson plans about this subject.
And they cover both ends of the spectrum from beginners to experts.
Having some agility training equipment at your home will prove to be useful.
In acquiring this equipment, you can build it yourself, buy it, or even rent it at some specific locations.
What equipment you choose to use depends on the space you have available and location where you will train your timid dog.
For example, how big is your yard? Can it hold 6, 8, or 10 obstacles? Can it stay set up or does it need to be taken down after every training session? The stability of the equipment is important as your timid dog needs to feel safe while working with it.
A great place to begin with stable equipment is to use an adjustable pause table set at 12" to start.
This is a good beginning for all sizes of dogs.
Knowing that your pup is shy and timid set that table up in an area that is familiar to him.
If he barks at new things, begin with the pause table in the house so he can get use to it.
He'll inspect it and smell it on his own or with a little coaxing.
It's important to remember not to put a lot of pressure on your dog by pushing him into acceptance of the table.
After all, baby steps work best with an insecure pet such as your timid dog is.
Using treats in a dish or by placing his favorite toy on the table will help encourage him to get up on it.
Be patient as this step itself may take some time and multiple lessons.
If over time the treats or toy don't do the trick, try to hold him while sitting on the table.
With a bigger dog that can't be held, sit on the table and have him on a leash.
If he backs away, try coaxing him to you but be sure to only reward or treat him when he comes to you.
Treating or rewarding him when he's backing away sends him the wrong signal.
Given time and the right training, eventually your timid dog will hop on the table with only your cue word.
When you announce, "table", "mesa", "box", or whatever word you've chosen as your cue, he should jump on the table.
Continued training should train your timid dog to stay on the table as you back away and then come when you call him.
As with the other training, baby steps here means the distance is built slowly.
A contact trainer is a good transition from the pause table for your shy dog.
The contact trainer is made in various designs.
However, a 3-piece contact trainer with a mini A-frame side, a pause table, and mini dog-walk side is highly recommended.
With this equipment, your pup can sit on the pause table and then be woo'd down the A-frame or dog-walk side.
And again, training in small increments avoids the possibility of overwhelming your four-legged friend causing him to shut down.
Following these techniques to introduce your dog to agility training and working with new obstacles will help him to succeed in overcoming his shyness.
And as you train your timid dog and he conquers each new piece of equipment, you'll get excited as you watch his confidence grow.
