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Many dogs, mostly puppies that have not been treated by a breeder or animals that have been abused or rescued from animal shelters, will shy away from their hands. This is especially true with a hand going towards their face or over their head. Unfortunately, they cannot tell you what negative experiences they have had with human hands. Many perceive this action as a threat. Usually, some form of abuse, lack of socialization, or neglect is at the root of this heartbreaking behavior. Never reach out to a dog with this behavior problem. It can cause them to become more fearful and/or possibly aggressive! Anxious dogs can be dangerous dogs. Be patient. You can help them overcome this fear and create a positive association with your hand.
What you can do to help your dog overcome hand shyness:
1. Approach your dog slowly and at a slight angle. If you approach at an angle, you don’t appear as large and threatening as if you approach straight ahead. They can also crouch or kneel to avoid projecting a threat.
2. SLOWLY reach out and pet your dog under the chin while keeping an eye on your hand. Avoid “jerky” movements with your arms. Speak softly and calmly. Praise him/her for allowing you to touch him/her. If they accept, reward them with a treat.
3. Enroll your dog in obedience classes as soon as possible. Find a local trainer who practices positive reinforcement and non-punishment methods. Work on verbal corrections, a calm tone of voice, and non-threatening body language rather than physical corrections.
4. Work on the recall so you don’t have to touch it. Call your dog by name in greeting and say, “COME!” Praise and reward him/her when he/she comes to you. Rub him/her under the chin. With some dogs, squatting or kneeling when you call them will help.
5. Practice positive reinforcement. Reward your dog with lots of praise and a quiet pet under the chin. Support your joy by speaking in a soft, calm voice to show him/her that you are happy with his/her behavior.
6. Give your dog massages as often as possible. Treat the whole body but focus on the head and neck area. Talk to them gently during the massage. The more you do it, the more trusting and relaxed they become. Through this positive experience, they learn to associate your hand with something loving and good.
7. Let family and friends know what you are trying to do. Point them out as you approach and pet your dog. Don’t hesitate to correct them immediately if they get it wrong.
Bottom line: Your dog needs to make the connection that human hands aren’t threatening. The more loving hands your dog associates with a positive experience, the more likely it is to welcome it. When your dog feels more relaxed with you, family, and friends, take him to places where there are new people to meet. Explain to them what you are working on and ask them to approach your dog. You can start by simply giving the dog a treat or toy. Since your dog will feel more comfortable accepting treats or toys from strangers; Let them pet your dog under the chin, and then reward the dog with a treat or toy. In this way, human hands will bring a loving, gentle touch and other good things to your dog. Be patient, calm and consistent. Over time you will see a more confident dog that welcomes human touch.
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