Help For Your Shy Dog

Fifteen to twenty percent of dogs are born with a tendency towards introversion and fearfulness, leading to behaviors like uncontrolled submissive urination, fear-aggression, and inability to bond with humans. With understanding and the right training, fearful dogs need not be condemned as bad pets; rather, they can become some of the happiest and most deeply bonded dogs around—the epitome of great pets.

Fifteen to twenty percent of dogs are born with a tendency towards introversion and fearfulness, leading to behaviors like uncontrolled submissive urination, fear-aggression, and inability to bond with humans.

With understanding and the right training, fearful dogs need not be condemned as bad pets; rather, they can become some of the happiest and most deeply bonded dogs around -- the epitome of great pets.

Deborah Wood is a writer and dog trainer who lives in Oregon. She trained her first dog to an obedience title when she was 15 years old. Ms. Wood participates in obedience competitions with her Papillon dogs, Goldie and Radar. Deborah Wood is the weekly pet columnist for The Oregonian newspaper and is a member of the Dog Writers' Association of America.