Sudden Shyness

Question
My fiancee and I adopted a dog about a year and a half ago from a local SPCA. She was 6mo when we got her and has always been skittish of loud noises (ie trucks on the highway, thunderstorms), but has always loved other dogs and very playful. We recently moved into a much more urban area, and we have noticed that she has become increasingly shy and withdrawn when it comes to meeting new people and/or dogs. She is still very loving and attached to us, but she seems to want nothing to do with others. She isn't aggressive; she just pulls away from strangers and refuses to sniff or play with other dogs. I'm not sure if the behavior is the same off the leash (she hasn't been around other dogs off a leash since the move). This has only cropped up in the last month (since the move).

We walk her three times a day (at least one 30+ min walk), and she has taken twelve weeks worth of obedience classes (which she loved). What can we do to help her adjust to the new place and to help her be more friendly?

Answer
Hi Liz,

Your dog has a naturally shy temperament. Shyness and timidity can develop as a young dog matures. Sometimes the root of the problem is lack of proper introduction to different people, animals, places and things during the prime puppyhood socialization period. Other causes include emotional trauma, physical abuse or simply not getting enough social interaction.

You can try doing a brush up course in obedience work, since your new location is so stressful to your your dog. Obedience training is an excellent way to help a dog feel more comfortable and confident in public and with other dogs and people. Depending on how recently you've moved to your new location, it simply might be a question of time, and patience. It wouldn't be outrageous for your dog to need a month or more to adjust to your new location.

Many urban areas have parks with special zones where dogs can run and play off the leash. Start off by introducing your dog to a smaller dog who you know to be friendly and relatively calm. As your dog begins to get comfortable, gradually introduce dogs of larger sizes and more active behavior. This process typically will take several weeks, so again, be patient. Avoid interactions with rough and tough dogs, or you will have a setback.

It might be that your dog will adjust to her new location, but always be skittish and never enjoy the company of other dogs. If she wasn't socialized with other dogs as a pup, she simply may prefer the comfort/playtime of her humans. I've known dogs like this. It's possible this is just her nature.

Best of luck,
Patti