Dogs are individual creatures. No two dogs are alike. Through a combination of genetics, circumstances or development one dog may be assertive while another is timid.

Dogs in the ‘alpha’ pack leader position are assertive. These types of dogs will take bones or toys away from other dogs or be the first of the pack to enter a room and demand a great deal of attention after having done so. On the other hand, a timid dog will always eat, enter and play last. These dogs simply remain quiet and wait to be noticed.

At first glance, timid dogs may not be in need of training as much focus is placed on deterring unwarranted behaviors. Their counterparts, assertive dogs, are more suitable for training. These dogs are leashed and pulled back during walking exercises. Trained not to chase the neighbors cat is also endured.

Unlike their rowdy companions, timid dogs are the last to exit, do not display a tendency to dig or other undesirable behaviors. These behaviors are carried over into personal space. Timid dogs distance themselves inside the home from other dogs, whether assertive or not.

The fact is that timid dogs are in need of training. The training for timid dogs goes in the opposite direction of traditional training. A timid dog is taught to not let a stranger approach it on the street and offer a treat. This can have a damaging effect on the dog’s overall health. Unstable individuals will use this as an opportunity to steal or harm a timid dog.

Likewise, timid dogs need to understand boundary respect by any unknown dog or human. For this reason, a timid dogs need not to accept treats from people you meet. This should be taught once to be effective.

Work with the dog’s nature in order to set a success training tone. Although timid in nature, the dog will still enjoy the occasional reward and play times.

When there is more than one dog in a household, reserve time for the timid one to get some one on one time outside. This keeps the more assertive dog in the house next to you. Give the timid dog the opportunity to therefore enter the house first, feed first or get a drink of water first. During general feeding time, prevent the timid dog from being chased out of the room.

Take a toy – favored beef treated bone or stuffed ball – and go through the ‘sit’ and ‘up’ motions with a timid dog. Do not engage in this as long as you would with an assertive dog. Be sure to use a friendly, up beat voice when playing with the timid dog.

Based on physiological or genetic circumstances, not all timid behaviors can be erased through training. Keep this in mind and do not set the bar too high when training a timid dog. Patience and persistence will win through and be effective in changing some of the dog’s behaviors.

Consistency and commitment will go a long way in training a timid dog. Be prepared to devote an hour once a day for several weeks, months or even longer to teaching a timid dog a more suitable behavior.