HOPE FOR SHY PETS

Pets’ personalities are as individual as people's. Some love the spotlight; others shy away. Know how to handle timid ones’ encounters with strangers and friends.

Is your pet the life of the party — or a shrinking violet? As the holidays approach and preparations begin, give some thought to how your pet will respond to strangers, commotion and unfamiliar places and smells. Those that are particularly sensitive may become stressed or frightened, and respond with behavioral changes. A large crowd in your home could trigger injury, intestinal upset, even illness for your pet.

Holiday Tips

• Stick to your pet’s regular feeding and walking schedule. Even when you’re pressed for time, don’t allow your dog to run off-leash in an undesignated area.
• Welcoming a small group into your home for a celebration? Ask them not to feed your pet and to be vigilant about closing the door. Post a sign to remind them.
• Is your pet microchipped and wearing a HomeAgain collar tag? In case she scoots out when guests arrive or depart, those items can reassure you that someone will find and identify her.
• If you’re hosting a party, set aside a secure spot for your shy pet to retreat. If she likes being crated, put a crate in a quiet place behind a door and post a note so guests don’t enter. If you don’t have an extra room, ask a friend or neighbor to care for the animal until the event ends.

Hope for Shy Dogs

Once the holidays pass, work with your pet to teach him skills to cope with and even overcome shyness. Not all pets get scared by the same things. Some fear strangers, others cars, still others get spooked by certain sounds or smells.

Most behaviorists say that half of behavior is based on genetics and the other half is based on experience. So if your dog naturally tends to be shy, positive experiences can help him gain confidence.

Though early socialization is best, it’s never too late to help a shy dog. The most important trait that dogs and humans share is our ability to adapt, change, and improve.

The key to this change is making tiny, incremental steps. Exposing a dog to too much, too quickly, could make him more afraid.

If your dog fears crowds, let one or two people give him treats and praise until he relaxes. Then expose him to three people, then five. If your dog is nervous when you go for a walk, take him on short strolls in a quiet neighborhood at first, gradually working up to walks in the city or other scary, noisy places. Slow, patient exposure allows a dog to learn to succeed.

Gentle Obedience Training

You can build a dog’s confidence through an obedience training class or on your own, as long as the training methods stay positive. Teach your dog simple, fun commands and reward him with treats and praise.

When you’re in a strange situation and your dog gets anxious, ask him to do one of those simple commands. When he concentrates on his “job,” he forgets his worries.

Dogs can do things for other dogs that no human can. If you think your dog can handle it, introduce him to calm dogs. Often, shy dogs will watch the relaxed, happy behavior of well-adjusted dogs and become less anxious. It’s not unusual for friendly dogs to want to play games that increase a shy dog’s confidence.

Helping a shy dog is a slow process. It can take months to see noticeable progress. Still, that progress is sweeter because you and your dog will succeed as a team.