More tips to safely socialize a shy dog!

What to do with a shy dog once they're trapped?

1. Evaluate their behavior in the trap (Are they aggressive? Will they make eye contact? Will they allow you to touch them in the trap?)
2. If you decide to foster your trapped dog, take them to a vet and have them spayed first.  
3. Let the vet remove them from the trap. Do it inside an enclosed kennel. The dog may need sedation first.
4. While the dog is being fixed, ask the vet to attach a martingale non slip collar and harness and leashes while the dog is being spayed.
5. Once the dog has leashes attached, keep them on the dog at all times.
6. Dedicate a room in your house or a secure outdoor kennel to keep the dog while she's being socialized.
*Never let shy dog into a yard unattended. Keep them on leashes at all times!
7. Hand feed the dog to gain her trust.
8. Pet the dog under the chin to raise her head.
9. Praise the dog for eye contact.
10. Praise dog for stepping towards you. Even the tiniest step is huge!
11. Once you have begun to gain your dog's trust, practice pulling her to you with the leashes. Praise every step!
12. Do not let them practice fleet. Every time they back away from you reinforces shy behavior.
13. Crate your shy dog in a busy room. This helps to desensitize her to noises and activity.
14. Once your dog will walk on leash, tie her to your belt and let her accompany you in your house. Praise her for walking on tile floors, for showing curiosity and give her treats while she accompanies you.
15.  Introduce your dog to strangers. Have them give her treats in her crate or while she's on leash.
16. Don't trust your shy dog off leash until she has absolute recall.
17. If you adopt your shy dog out, be sure the adopter has an escape proof house and yard.
*Often times shy dogs will regress with new people. Don't give them a chance to escape, keep them on full time leash!
18. Have your adopter keep the dog on full time leash until she has absolute recall with the adopter.
19. Keep treats in your pocket to constantly reinforce your shy dog's confident behaviors.
20. Be enthusiastic and positive with your shy dog. Good luck!