Many owners look for help when their dogs are not scared enough of people. Aggressive dogs can endanger themselves, family members, and strangers, making the dog a liability. However, dogs that are afraid of people can be just as big of a problem as dogs that are not. An overly shy dog can, eventually, exhibit aggressive traits. If your dog is fearful of others, then you should try to help him overcome the fear as quickly as possible. There are things you can do inside and outside your home to get your dog more comfortable around strangers.

Just because your dog cowers in a corner when guests arrive at your home, does not mean that he is not a threat. Many owners see this behavior as a blessing, since the dog isn't jumping all over the guests or showing them he's the boss. Unfortunately, there may be a time when a normally-frightened dog resorts to aggression. If you have ever heard of the fight or flight instinct that's hardwired into your pooch, then realize that there is an "or" in the phrase. One day, your pet may choose to fight instead of flee. Then, if the object he is fighting runs away or leaves your home, he'll realize that fighting gets him what he wants; you now have an aggressive pet on your hands.

So now that you know why a shy pup can be a bad thing, it's time to work out ways to get him socialized. It's understandable if you don't want an all-too-friendly dog, especially if he stands guard at your door at night. However, it is important that you show him friendliness is okay when you are around. First, figure out who it is he is scared of. Is he afraid of anyone and everyone that he doesn't know? Does he get especially antsy around children? As funny as it may seem, some dogs are sexist. There have been cases where dogs don't like men and other cases where they don't like women. Just pay attention to your pooch, and figure out who frightens him.

Once you figure out the people that make your dog hide, then you need to start socializing him to those types of people. The socialization process should be a slow one; take baby steps, and don't move forward until your pet is comfortable with each step. To socialize a pooch that's afraid of everyone, start by having friends (preferably ones that your dog isn't too familiar with) stop by your home. You may want to keep your pet on a leash; a leash will help you control the situation while showing him that you are there for protection. Give the friend a handful of treats, and monitor the two as they interact. If things are going well, then allow the friend to pet your pooch. Keep a close eye on your dog; if he shows any signs of aggression or if he seems more anxious than usual, stop the training session and resume on the following day. A day or two after the friend stops by, take your pet on a walk around the neighborhood. Keep him on a leash for his safety and your safety. Try to venture to an area where you normally don't go, preferably where people are around. Once he gets accustomed to this, you can begin to work your way up to pet stores and dog parks. Just remember: take small steps, and let your pooch set the tempo.

If your pet is afraid of children, then you need to be a little more careful. Children rarely know how to handle pets; so, until your dog is properly socialized, you will need to closely monitor the interactions. It's a good idea to start with walks near a children's park. That way, your pet is exposed to the rambunctious children without having direct contact.

A shy pet may be preferred over an aggressive one, but it's important to realize that the shyness can turn into aggression. If your pet runs and hides every time someone arrives at your door, then you need to figure out what kinds of people scare your dog. Once you identify the "who," then you can work on ways to treat your pooch's anxiety. No matter what methods you use to socialize your dog, make sure you take as much time as your dog needs before you introduce any new elements.

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