How To Help A Timid And Shy Dog

There are few things as heartwarming as witnessing the enthusiasm of a joyful dog. Watching dogs explore the world and interact with their environment is often very rewarding for dog owners – so it can be difficult when a dog does not seem enthusiastic about doing this. Timid puppies and dogs can find social situations very overwhelming, likely will not enjoy activities such as dog training classes, and even might feel uncomfortable going on walks. In some cases, timidity can escalate to fear which can cause reactivity and aggression.

If you have a dog in your life whom you love and want to experience life with, but they seem uncomfortable anytime they are pushed ever-so-slightly out of their comfort zone, then you have come to the right place! In this article, we will explain some of the tried and true methods for helping a shy dog feel more confident and comfortable in potentially uncomfortable situations.

Why are some dogs timid?

Just as there are introverted and extroverted people, research is demonstrating that dogs also demonstrate introverted and extroverted tendencies. Some dogs naturally prefer not to be in environments where stimuli is plentiful, and some dogs prefer not to interact with strangers.

This isn’t necessarily an indication of confidence or a deeper concern – it is simply the dog’s natural preference. Some dogs, however, are genuinely timid, and this can impact their quality of life. There are many reasons why dogs can be timid, but some of the most common ones include:

Genetics. Certain breeds are naturally more aloof than others, and shyness can be an inherited trait. Uncertainty or timidity is often an innate response to certain things which one is exposed to, and genetics can have a definite impact natural confidence levels and resiliency.
Accumulated life experiences. Acute and chronic stress can have a significant impact on a dog’s perspective of how safe the world is. If a dog has experienced years of unmet needs, unpredictable circumstances, regular stress within their living environment, or a lack of exposure to new things, they can become less trusting that situations are safe. This can result in shyness and discomfort around new things and conditioned triggers (e.g. things which they are already afraid of).
Trauma. Single episode learning experiences, such as those caused by traumatic events, can drastically alter a dog’s temperament. Events such as being attacked, being rehomed or surrendered to a shelter, being abused, and any other potentially life threatening experience can be traumatic. Trauma rewires the brain and changes the way that mammals, such as dogs, cope with stress. Trauma can cause dogs to become fearful or timid, even in environments which they were once comfortable.
Pain or illness. Any time the body is stressed over a certain period of time, neurological changes occur which can alter personality. Pain, illness and chronic inflammation (such as that which is caused by allergies) cause stress on the body which impacts the neurological functioning and baseline CNS (central nervous system) activity. This baseline shift in stress levels is exacerbated by the fact that the dog does not feel as physically capable of protecting itself against potential threats or being able to confidently remove themself from situations. All of these factors can cause a dog to appear shy or uncomfortable.
Neurochemical dysfunction or imbalance. Imbalances and dysfunction in neurotransmitter levels (such as GABA and histamine) and neuromodulators (such as serotonin and dopamine) can cause anxiety and increased stress. This can present as timid behavior, where a dog appears to be uncomfortable around a large number of triggers.
Personality. Some dogs are naturally timid. Whether due to genetics, experiences and coping mechanisms, health, or a combination thereof, there are certainly timid puppies who grow into shy adults and maintain this demeanor throughout their life.

Is your dog timid?

So, how do you know if your dog is timid or introverted? Genuine timidity is often demonstrated by a level of generalized or trigger specific discomfort. Timid dogs will actively attempt to increase distance between their self and sources of discomfort. They may hide, freeze, attempt to run away, or show signs of stress around new things. Oftentimes you can witness obvious visual signs of stress in these dogs such as panting, lip licks, tail tucking, muscle tensing, and appeasement behaviors (such as paw raising) when confronted with triggers.

Introverted dogs may not seek out or enjoy interaction with stimuli outside of their immediate social circle, but they typically remain relatively neutral around other things. They may simply ignore things attempting to interact with them, and demonstrate more independent behavior such as exploratory sniffing when out in public. They are unlikely, however, to demonstrate obvious stress signals in most environments.

What can you do to help a shy dog?

Building confidence is a major component to helping shy dogs feel comfortable in new situations. Shy dogs need to feel safe and not forced into situations exceeding their limitations. Partaking in confidence building activities with your dog (such as allowing them to locate treats in the grass, working on fun trick or obstacle training, gentle exposure to non-overwhelming environments, and partaking in independence promoting activities) is a great way to build confidence.

Never force a shy dog into situations they do not initiate, as this can exacerbate feelings of discomfort and will oppress agency. By allowing a timid dog to work through an experience at their pace and not forcing them into uncomfortable situations, they learn that they have a certain level of control over a situation which can decrease stress levels.

In cases where dogs suddenly appear to react timidly to stimuli, or where they seem to grow increasingly timid over some duration of time, it is worth booking a visit to the veterinarian for an examination. Have a comprehensive blood panel run to rule out issues with organs, infections or other diseases. Make sure to have ears checked for infection, and teeth checked for dental issues, as these things can cause chronic pain and inflammation. If you notice that your timid dog seems itchy, have them checked for yeast overgrowth or allergies, as increased histamine release can cause behavioral changes. Have your vet check them for signs of pain, and discuss any GI issues which your dog may be experiencing – these can cause nervous system disruption and other issues.

Make sure that your dog is getting adequate exercise and mental stimulation, as high-energy dogs can develop anxiety if their physical and cognitive needs are not being met.

Remember that this process is a marathon, not a race. Consider how long your dog may have felt anxious or timid, and how much learning has occurred during this time. Be patient with them and work at their pace.

In summary

Shy dogs are not uncommon, and timidity can be caused by a number of issues. It is important to recognize if your dog is timid, how long they have acted this way and what is most likely to be the cause so you can work through it effectively.

Remember that shyness and introversion are different things, and that in both cases, forcing a dog into situations in which they are not comfortable will only exacerbate negative feelings.

Helping a shy dog work through their emotions can improve their quality of life immensely. When in doubt, consider speaking to a qualified professional, who can walk you through the process and give your dog the best chance at living the happy life they deserve.