We love our furry best friends for their carefree and carefree lifestyle. Our dogs are basically optimism on all fours, ready to greet the world with a joyous smile.
But that is not always the case. Some reserved dogs prefer to watch life from the sidelines rather than be part of the action. An afternoon at the dog park? No, thanks. Hanging out at a party? Approve. These shy pups defy the stereotype of the “typical” dog, but that doesn’t mean they’re abnormal. Whether through nature, breeding, or a combination of both, some dogs turn out to be solitary.
key takeaways
- A shy dog exhibits timid or seemingly “antisocial” behaviors that fall outside of the reactions we normally expect from dogs.
- Both genetics and life experiences play a role in how a dog’s behavior develops.
- Introverted dogs may cower, hide, avoid eye contact, lick their lips, and whine.
- There are ways pet owners can help introverted dogs become more confident and less stressed.
What is a shy dog?
“Shy dog” is a general term that encompasses many different types of canine behavior. For example:
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A pup who lags behind and doesn’t play during socialization class could be considered shy.
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A dog that retreats to a room when guests visit could be considered reserved.
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A low energy rescue pup could be considered an introverted dog.
“Shy” can include any shy or seemingly “antisocial” behavior that doesn’t fit the reactions we normally expect from our dogs.
That being said, reserved dogs may only act withdrawn in certain scenarios, such as when they are feeling overwhelmed. Shy dogs can be perfectly happy in settings where they feel comfortable, such as at home or on family walks around the block.
Why are some dogs shy or introverted?
Most pet owners adopt a new dog with the best of intentions, ready to do whatever they can to help their new best friend grow into a confident and well-rounded dog. But it’s important to understand that both genetics and life experiences play a role in how a dog’s behavior develops.
A dog’s temperament is influenced by a combination of different factors, including:
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Traits inherited or learned from their parents
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The quantity and quality of early socialization.
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Its environment
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Continued socialization as the dog matures.
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Your level of daily exercise
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what do they eat
All of these can play a role in how a canine personality develops over time.
Does race play a role?
While a dog’s breed is no guarantee of behavior (Labradors who hate swimming do exist!), there are some breeds that are known to be more reserved than others.
Dogs that were bred to work alone, such as livestock guarding dogs like Anatolian Shepherds and some pack-working dogs like Akitas, can be more introverted than other dogs. That said, there are always exceptions to breed-specific behaviors, so you may find the usually aloof Shar-Pei being snuggled or the typically outgoing Golden Retriever preferring his time alone.
How is a shy or reserved dog?
Nervous dogs can exhibit behaviors ranging from shutting down to being outwardly aggressive. The level of reaction may vary depending on the intensity of the trigger. This means that a timid dog may cower if the scare is far away, then resort to barking and growling when the scary trigger approaches in an attempt to keep it away.
Typical behaviors of shy, nervous, or frightened dogs include:
Some shy dog behaviors, such as avoiding eye contact and yawning, can be hard to notice. It’s important for pet parents to take the time to observe their pup and learn their dog’s body language. It’s easy to assume that a calm, low-energy dog is feeling fine, but those types of “shutdown” behaviors may be masking anxiety.
How to help an introverted dog
Want to help your shy pup gain some confidence? The following tips are for both ends of the strap, so and your introverted dog can learn to navigate the world with less stress.
1. See for yourself
It’s tempting to try to model bold behavior for your shy dog, but being boisterous can backfire. Instead, when your dog seems uncomfortable, speak softly, move slowly, and watch your dog’s body language to see how he is feeling.
Remember that our dogs have good days and bad days too, so be prepared to modify your behavior as necessary.
2. Be your dog’s advocate
Let your dog set the pace for interactions with others. If you know your dog doesn’t like meeting people on walks, intervene before well-meaning strangers drop by to say hello.
It’s not always easy to avoid a greeting, but saying something like “My dog is recovering from illness” or “We’re training” can make the interaction less awkward for introverts on the human end of the leash.
3. Use positive reinforcement training
All dogs benefit from positive reinforcement training, but reserved dogs in particular require the confidence boost that comes with this science-backed methodology. Avoid the use of training methods that employ harsh verbal or physical corrections, especially those involving tools such as chokes, electric or spiked collars. Training should always be a fun and positive experience for your dog.
Training should always be a fun and positive experience for your dog.
4. Play confidence-building games
Play training is a stealthy way to help your shy dog feel less anxious; after all, it’s hard to be worried when you’re having a good time!
Games that tap into your dog’s natural instincts, such as “find the treat” or “find the toy,” can encourage your dog to ignore potential stressors and focus on having fun. For example, if your dog begins to look anxious about something in the distance during a walk, he might spread a handful of treats on the ground and encourage him to pick them all up and then walk in a different direction. Or, if your dog is worried about construction noises outside, hide a favorite stuffed toy and have him focus on finding it.
5. Start a desensitization and counterconditioning program
When it comes to training anxious dogs, there is no more powerful tool than desensitization and counterconditioning. This combination helps dogs form a new association with stressors by linking them to something positive.
For example, if a dog is nervous around men in hats, pet owners can plan a training session with a man in a hat at a distance far enough away that the dog won’t elicit a fearful reaction. Feed the pup a series of high-value treats while the dog watches the man from a distance; this helps the dog begin to connect to the scary person with special treats. Then slowly approach the man, all while giving him treats and making sure the dog’s body language is relaxed and confident.
This slow and steady training changes a dog’s emotional response to a stressor over time, moving at a pace that keeps the reserved dog in a calm emotional state. Please note that this process may take time and patience, as each dog will progress at their own pace.
6. Consider Hiring a Certified Trainer or Veterinary Behaviorist
Do you feel overwhelmed? Consider working with a trainer to help design a confidence-building program. Find a professional who uses positive reinforcement training and is willing to work with your dog. and you.
A shy, nervous, or insecure dog pushed to the limit can become a reactive dog, so it’s best to get help as soon as possible to prevent behavior problems from getting worse.
7. Love the person you are with
You have a shy dog, and that’s okay! If your pup doesn’t seem overly stressed in your daily life together and his behavior doesn’t bother you, it’s perfectly fine for him to continue.
Your dog doesn’t have to interact with strangers or other dogs to live a rich and fulfilling life. As long as you navigate the world as a united team and are aware of how your dog reacts to his body language, letting an introverted canine do his thing is fine!
Featured Image: Adobe/teamjackson
