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Helping Your Timid Rescue Dog Build Confidence
How to help a timid rescue dog – You adopted a rescue dog, she’s jumpy. She wants to visit other people but she just can’t bring herself to get close enough. Truth is we never know what a dog’s previous experience. Especially if you adopt a shelter dog or dog that is rescue.
Your rescue dog may not have good contact with humans. Maybe they lived on the streets – struggling for food, chased off by people or attacked by other dogs? There are many reasons a rescue dog is timid. While other, will settle in fast other dogs just need a little time with adjusting to their new environment.
With loving care, time, patience and taking into consideration a few of these tip. You’ll be able to help your timid rescue dog live
An inside scoop of pet adoption gives us a clear indication that dog adopters often have a hard time during the first few days after successful approval.
Different dogs will react differently; therefore, it’s common to see some of them being scared of humans due to their previous experiences. Others become unfriendly because they are innocently unaware of the term “bonding.” However, from his point of view: Imagine waking up in an unfamiliar world, seeing strange faces with weird voices, different smells, and you have no slight idea of the new policies. How would you learn to love? How would you even relax not knowing their next move? Quite challenging, right?
Give Your Rescue Dog Space
It’s normal to want to throw our arms around our new dog. You want to give him everything that he’s likely been lacking in the past. Hugs, food, introducing him to the family and wanting to shower him with everything while is wonderful in time. Is just to overwhelming for a most rescue dogs in the beginning.
So in the beginning give your rescue dog space. Turn down blasting music, loud tv’s and talk to your family about taking it slow when approaching your new family member.
Be slow towards approaching your dog. Resist the urge to pressure your dog to play with you or lie with you in the bed. You are new to your dog so allow your dog to adjust at your dog’s rate.
Build Trust is Key to Build Confidence
Note that trust-building should be your primary goal. Try to balance your dog’s interactions and learn your dogs habits. Use gentle encouragement, and even if he makes a mistake avoid yelling at your dog at all cost. Dogs are highly sensitive. Once you establish trust you’ll see that your rescue dogs confidence will grow in leaps and bounds.
Identify the Triggers of Your Timid Rescue Dog
Is your dog worried about children? Or is he afraid of men with loud voices? Is he timid with a zooming motorcycle passing across the street? Or when the leaves rustle in a wind storm? How about the stairs, do they make him fall?
Make notes of how your dogs reacts to certain conditions. This will help your timid rescue dog, when you are able to comfort him while you help him build confidence.
Note the reaction of your dog during such instances. Does he run away? Does he hide behind you? Does he shake and freeze? Understanding the response of your dog will help you manage him whenever the frightful instance occurs later.
Train Your Dog
Begin training your dog on simple exercises such as sitting, jumping, and walking. Your dog will need to trust your actions towards him; therefore, smile as you look and talk to him softly, weave through the tiny legs, and dance for him. Use treats such as toys or even better food. Make it fun!
This is also the perfect time to teach your dog good manners. It might be a struggle, but make sure your dog understands your likes and dislikes. Make them obedient as it is a vital part of socializing with them.
Reward Good Behavior with Positive Reinforcement
Your dog might have acquired some unpleasant behaviors which aided them to survive in less pleasant surroundings. Therefore it’s ideal for you to take notice of any improvement and reward it. Training with positive reinforcement will help build confidence in a timid rescue dog.
Don’t reward your pet blindly. Ensure whatever treats you give to your dog is healthy. In an instance of a puppy, you can use “Wellness Grain-Free Soft Puppy Bites.” If you notice your dog has allergies, use “Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Treats.”
Treats are somehow similar to your paycheck. They make your dog eager to work during training sessions. However, you don’t always have to use gifts to award your dog. You can offer soothing words to your dog, touch him where he likes or play with him.
https://www.spca.nz/advice-and-welfare/article/dog-behaviour-and-training
Plan Adventures With Your Rescue Dog
Make your dog feel secure all the time by avoiding placing them in horrifying circumstances. Instead, take them to a calm and peaceful place and let them relax.
Always understand that you might not find a bus station noisy, but your dog does. Therefore you have to be highly sensitive.
Provide a Secure Spot
Always remember this: give your dog a backup location whenever he feels the need to retreat. It can be a particular couch or bed with a fluffy or soft blanket where they can burrow when they feel insecure. Remember, it should be in a quiet room or corner.
Let your dog approach whenever they’re ready. Please don’t force yourself towards them or try to impulse them into doing something. Let them be. Many dogs will jump right into their new home but its normal for some rescue dogs to be timid, at least for a while.
Concluding Helping a Timid Rescue Dog
Make a routine for your dog, give him space and be patient and you’ll delight in watching your timid rescue transform into a dog that fills your life and vice versa.
Helping a fearful dog indeed is a struggle but achievable. It requires patience, understanding, and kindness. However, all the strains are nothing compared to the beautiful and joyous moments you will have after that with your cute pooch.