Touching Hand-shy Dogs

 

Step 1: Prepare to train

For three minutes twice a day, sit with your dog and feed him delicious treats from your hands. (You’ll need to use something your dog will find irresistible, like pieces of chicken, cheese or hot dog.) It’s best to use chunks of soft food so that your dog can nibble at a treat while you hold it in your fingers. Do not reach toward your dog yet. Just feed him the treats. Move on to the next step after five days.

Step 2: Create Anticipation

Sit with your dog and repeat the following sequence: Reach toward your dog’s head with one hand (for simplicity, let’s assume you use your left hand), as though you intended to pat your dog. Stop a few inches away, just prior to the point at which your dog would normally cower or back away from your hand. With your other hand, reach out and feed him a treat. Pull your left hand back, away from your dog, while he’s eating the treat. Wait a few seconds and repeat the whole sequence of reaching and feeding. Repeat several times until you’re sure that your dog sees your hand reaching for him but doesn’t appear to be concerned or frightened. You can move on to the next step when your dog sees your hand reaching toward him and immediately looks to your right hand in anticipation of a treat.

Step 3: Create Excitement

Repeat the sequence before—reaching, then treating, then withdrawing your hand—but gradually move your hand closer and closer to your dog’s head, one inch at a time. If your dog cowers, backs away or snaps at your hand when you reach toward him, calmly pull your hand back and wait for him to relax again. Then start again—but this time, don’t reach quite so close to your dog. Stay at this level until he seems comfortable with your hand reaching toward him and starts to look excited about getting his treat afterwards.

 

Step 4: Touch

When you’re able to touch your dog on the head without making him nervous or uncomfortable, start to pet him a little. At first, feed him treats from your right hand while your left hand is petting him. Briefly and gently stroke your dog around the ears or the side of his face before removing your hand. If he seems comfortable with you scratching him, touch his face first and then feed him the treats. Withdraw your hand as your dog finishes the treat. As you repeat this sequence, gradually prolong the time your dog takes to eat the treat by holding it in your fingers so he has to lick and chew at it. Simultaneously, lengthen the time you pet your dog’s head and face.

Step 5: Practice

Practice reaching for your dog, touching him and then feeding him treats in all sorts of situations, such as when you call him to you, when you approach him, when he greets you at the door, etc. If your dog backs away from your hand, simply leave it outstretched and wait quietly until he comes toward you. When he does, touch him gently and give him a treat. Be aware that some dogs are more likely to startle if you reach for them when they’re cornered or lying down. A dog who’s surprised in this manner may snap at your hand or even jump up at your face. Wait until your dog has overcome his hand shyness in other situations before reaching toward him in places where he might feel trapped.

 

 Excepts from ASPCA Virtual Pet Behaviorist