Welcome to Shy Club! If you’re reading this you have decided to adopt a shy dog from us and we can’t thank you enough.

The first couple of weeks out in a new environment can be can be stressful for dogs. Don’t be surprised if the dog reverts back to a more shy, nervous state since they don’t know you or your home routines yet. For the first few weeks during the adjustment period we ask that you keep with these basic rules: 

• No busy areas or crowded outings
• No parties
• No dog parks

Establish basic routines, teach them your schedule, and keep using the crate schedule to help them adjust. 

You’re both getting used to each other so it’s important to follow some basic guidelines to ensure a smooth transition.

People expect a lot from new dogs and with shy dogs we find that less is more. Just do your thing and let them adjust to you. The less pressure the better. Be firm with what you don’t want and that’s all you need to do!

• No begging for food
• No dogs in the kitchen while food is being prepared 
• Dogs wait for your cue before going out the front door
• Leave a leash dragging on the dog at first so you can easily pick up the leash to guide the dog without getting in their face as they will likely be nervous/unsure. 
• Never chase the dog, let them come to you

• Make sure your new dog knows where you expect them to go potty and give them access to that area every 3 hours (does not include overnight as they will sleep in their crate overnight).

The crate is a must for shy dogs! 

• Crate the dog when unsupervised, left home alone, overnight, and possibly during feedings.
• Do not reinforce crying or whining by letting them out of the crate during that behavior. Wait until they settle before letting them out.
• Plan to crate your dog when guests come over the first few weeks since you’re still getting to know each other. Only let them out on a drag leash so you can pick it up and remove the dog easily if need be. 

We know you want to love on a new dog you just brought home but at the beginning keep it light on affection.

• Always let the dog approach you to get pets. Keep it short and let them leave when they are done.
• Shy dogs might not want to be pet for a while. Never corner them, reach over head or push them for affection.
• It might take them longer to warm up to you so give them the space to learn to trust you. It’ll be worth it!

These notes don’t apply to every pairing but just some things to keep in mind:

• When introducing, walk the dogs together (one handler per dog). After initial meeting, dogs can be out together in yard and house, but please keep them supervised at first.    
• Use the crate to rotate dogs, one in and one out so they get used to each other’s presence if one of them needs a break from the other.
• Remember, the new dog has to settle in with EVERYTHING so it’s a lot to take in and learn. And the existing dog must make a big adjustment as well, so be understanding. 
• Food guarding is a normal instinct for a dog, but you will want to avoid all potential incidents, so always feed them separately. 
• Remove all the toys at least for the first few weeks. If your resident dog needs to have their toys just give them that toy in a different room. 
• It’s wise to limit human affection towards the dogs at first, including your existing dog(s). Doing this allows the dogs to bond to each other, without starting a competition for human attention. 
• Let the dogs establish their own relationship at their own pace. Don’t worry if they do not play or snuggle together from day one. There is no need to encourage them to do so. Friendships take time and you can’t force it. 
• Take the entire process slow, nice and easy: rules and boundaries first, allow the dogs to bond at their own pace, and remove objects that can lead to arguments and supervise the dogs at all times. 

People

• After the first week, feel free to have one or two friends over. Start them in the crate, let them out on leash and have your friends ignore the dog. Have your guest toss treats.
• Let the dog approach them, don’t reach or grab the dog.
• If your dog seems overwhelmed or anxious after the initial greeting feel free to have them rest in the crate.

Places

• After the first week, you can start taking your dog out on mellow outings (on leash park time or walk with a friend).
• Take your dog in the car! Let them get used to driving around with you.

Dogs

• Playdates (no dog parks please): have a friend with a social dog? Use a secure backyard to let them meet.
• Walking dates: go for a walk with a friend and their dog.

• Your dog should not be pulling on the leash.
• Change directions often so they start to follow you.
• The walk can be a joint activity. However, dogs like to sniff, so at two or three moments of YOUR choosing, decide to stop, allow your dog to sniff, then start walking again.
• Do not greet other dogs on leash. There is too much tension on both sides and it could build leash reactivity. Just calmly create some space between you and the other dog and give a verbal command like “let’s go” and keep moving.

• Don’t pull toys out of dog’s mouths
• No tug of war please