How to Help a Timid Rescue Dog

A timid rescue dog can be hard to deal with. When your dog seems afraid of you as well as everyone else. When they flinch dropped to the ground, or cower in front of you it's heartbreaking. You can get through it, it takes time and patience, but your timid dog doesn't have to be timid all the time.

I adopted my timid rescue after she had spent a year in the shelter. She was so pathetic when I brought her home. If I raised my voice she would drop. She would cower and belly crawl to me when I called her. She was totally terrified of my husband's, it took over a year and a half before heard to not freak out when he called her or wanted to pet her. For one redeeming factor, the one personality point that kept me from taking her back was her relationship with my four kids. They didn't scare her. She loved to play with them and be cuddled by them. They could do no wrong when it came to her.

I have never dealt with this kind of behavior before, I wasn't sure I could do what needed to be done, but after seeing the ways she was with the kids, I knew I couldn't give up on her. I don't think we were the right fit for her, but we've made it through the worst part and I feel blessed to have her.

She is nowhere near as comfortable as my other three dogs and probably never will be. It is important to keep that in mind. A timid dog is a timid dog, and most cases it is part of their personality, rather than a side effect of abuse. A timid dog can make a great companion just like any other dog. It just takes a bit more patience.

First start by practicing N.I.L.F. (nothing in life is free) when you feed your dog she has earned, you can make her sick, shake, wait, or whatever you feel is a good payment for your dog. Always go in or out of a room before she does. Do not allow her on the furniture unless you invite her. N.I.L.F. puts you in the role of pack leader, exactly where your timid dog needs you to be. She doesn't want to make decisions for herself; this only stresses a timid dog out. They don't want to be in control, they just aren't wired that way. Your dog needs to see you as pack leader and trust that you will care for her.

Crate training also helps a lot. Dogs love that their dens. A crate will give your timid dog place to go when things around them get to be too stressful. The crate is their place and they should be left alone while they are in it, especially if they have gone there on their own.

Obedience class and socialization can help build your dog self-esteem. Start small, as your dog progresses you can start doing more. This will also help build a bond between you and your pet. She will begin to trust you to keep her safe. Use positive reinforcement for training, especially when training your dog to come when called. Associating a treat with coming to you can help her become less afraid when called, and that could save her life.

Helping a timid rescue dog takes a lot of time and patience, and probably some occasional space. I have had my timid rescue dog for 2 1/2 years. She is still timid, especially around strangers and she probably always will be, but she has come a very long way from the terrified girl she was when I first brought her home. I was willing to put the time and effort into her, now I have a sweet, fun, and playful companion who I adore just as much as my three less or un-timid dogs. I hope you can also.