Socializing Shy Dogs: Canine Therapists To The Rescue

When working with human shy dogs it's helpful to enlist the help of confident companion dogs. 

Outgoing canine companions enhance the therapeutic process because they project body-language that tells a shy dog the human or humans are safe. Therapeutic canines can be used in a variety of situations, but not all dogs are good candidates for therapy work.

Following are some of the ways I use canine therapy dogs to socialize shy, timid and fearful dogs. I've also listed the attributes of a good canine therapists.

Using A Confident Dogs As A Lure For “Come”

Most dogs can’t resist wanting want what other dogs have.  

The shy dog in the clip was lured from under a desk. I called his name… “Kris"... then "Come” ... then rewarded.

Confident companions for luring a shy dog to take treats will:

- wait for treats and not have food aggression

- be excited… but under control and not intimidating

- allow shy a dog space during treat taking

Using Confident Dogs During A Walk

Confident dogs leading the way, show the shy guy that all is well ahead.

I use the words, “Let’s go” to get all the dogs moving forward as a group with me.

Confident companions on a walk:

- are controllable on a leash

- move forward on verbal cue, to help pull the shy animal along.

- allow the shy animal to explore and relieve himself when appropriate

Using Confident Dogs To House-Train

With a routine and supervision, Kris was house-trained from the start, but I had to go leash him. The ultimate goal was to get him to come for leashing on his own.

I used the excitement of the confident dogs and their regular word, “outside” to get Kris to come and after two outings he comes on cue for potty.