Prepare for unexpected vet bills
Not all dogs run toward strangers and bounce with joy at new adventures. Many dogs are shy, timid or fearful of anything new, loud or just downright intimidating! That doesn't have to limit your dog's activities, though. There is plenty you can do with a fearful pup that will allow them to have a good time without being afraid. The key to keep in mind with any activity and a fearful pup is to go slow and always make sure your pup is happy!
Most dogs are over the moon when they receive a new toy; however, a fearful dog may react the opposite way. A new toy may induce fear and make the dog shy away. At the same time, you probably are dying to give your fearful dog a new fun toy. They are, after all, probably in need of some new fun and comforting things to play with! Once your dog gets over the fear of the toy, they are sure to like it too so don't just skip the toy section of the pet store, just use these guidelines to help you give your fearful pup new fun things!
Many dogs are afraid of new people, but who can blame them - strangers can be intimidating! However, it isn't good to run and hide anytime a person comes into your house especially when they are your friends. It can take a while to teach a dog not to be afraid of people they don't know, so expect to spend a good deal of time on this training activity. Keep in mind that your hard work is not in vain, your dog will be happier and less anxious when they are trained not to be fearful of people - and of course, it will be less stressful for you as well!
Building confidence is very important for a fearful dog. Any activity that you can do to help them on this mission is a good one. A dog who has confidence will automatically be less fearful of everyday activities. Confidence will help your dog be more outgoing and less stressed in day to day life. Praise is the basis of building your dog's confidence and a positive attitude doesn't hurt either! So don't tiptoe around your dog's issue of being fearful, instead, face the issue head-on and with a smile. Training your dog to be confident will also give you the confidence in yourself to train your pup!
Bring your fearful dog on walks as frequently as possible. The outside world is ever changing and exposure to this kind of variation in day to day life is so beneficial for fearful dogs.
There is nothing a fearful dog will enjoy more than quiet time with you. Cuddle your pup in a cozy spot to comfort them and make them feel safe and loved.
It can be difficult to have a fearful dog, and the first thing you should do is identify what they are afraid of and try to conquer that fear. Getting a fearful dog to be confident and playful can take a long time but know that all the training you do with your dog will pay off in the end. While you are training your fearful dog, try to have some fun with your pooch as well!