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3. Socializing feral dogs

Another important component of socializing feral dogs is isolation from other dogs.

•  I do this for at least 21 days. 
• When I'm working with my shy dog, I crate or put resident dogs in another room. 
• Shy dogs often bond to other dogs, so when they're isolated, it forces them to bond to humans. 
• This is a must do!

2. Socializing feral dogs

Once you've begun to train the shy dog to a leash and she's fairly cooperative, tie her onto your belt. I use a horse lead rope (bought at a feed barn or farm general store) Be sure the dog is securely attached to your lead and belt. Often, I'll use a second lead too, in case she slips the first lead.

Attaching the dog will force her to follow you around the house and overcome her fears. She'll hear noises, see new things and eventually become familiar with the safety and comforts inside a home.

• Praise her when she shows curiosity. 
• Praise her when she follows you.
• Praise her when she makes eye contact.
• In addition to praise, offer high value treats. Make it fun to be with you!
• Continue to pet her under the chin to raise her head (and instill confidence). 
• Once there's trust, pet her all over. Praise her when she relaxes.

1. Socializing feral/shy dogs

 Street dogs can be socialized… read how to do it safely:

• If the dog has been trapped, keep her in the trap and go directly to a vet's office or shelter. Remove the dog inside a contained room or kennel.
• Spay, vaccinate and vet the dog before taking it home. While the dog is anesthetized, have the vet place a harness, leash and martingale collar with ID tags on the dog.
• Transport the dog in a sturdy crate. Load and unload her in a contained area. 
• Keep the harness, collar and lead on her at all times. Never remove the lead from the collar.
• Use an escape proof 10x10' kennel to socialize shy dogs. The kennel must have a dig proof floor, reinforced wire and a tarp on top. 
• Don't leave a shy dog outside in a kennel unattended. 
• If you don't have a kennel, use a room inside a house to contain the dog. Place pee pads on the floor. Offer a full-time water bowl.
• Hand feed the dog. Offer high value food (liver treats, canned food, bacon…) She may not eat for several days. Keep a full time water bowl out for the dog.
• Praise any eye contact the dog makes with you.
• When you pet the dog, stroke her under the chin. This hand movement is less threatening than petting atop the head.
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• LEASH/RECALL TRAINING: 
• Once you evaluate the dog and find that she isn't aggressive, begin to leash train her. 
• Using the attached leash on the dog, softly call her and reel her in. She'll resist, so you'll need to drag her to you. Praise her as you pull her in. Really praise her when she is right next to you. Offer a high value treat while she's next to you. Pet under the chin.
• Do this leash exercise over and over while calling her to you. 
• As you reel her in by leash, this exercise begins to break her pattern of flight. This is the first huge step in socializing a shy dog!
• More tips to follow…….

This is a Martingale Collar (or Premier)….. it's a no-slip collar! It tightens if the dog tries to slip her head out of the collar while you have her on a lead. I use it for all shy or feral dogs. Often, I use two martingale collars! If I drop one leash, I've got a second one attached to a collar, so the dog doesn't escape. Always have a PLAN A, B and C for the containment of shy dogs!