Do you have one of those really timid, shy puppies? Instead of going out and licking peoples hands does it curl its tail and come hide between your legs? This submissive characteristic that is so unattractive sometimes in a handsome pup is actually fairly common in many toy-sized dog breeds.
When dealing with these little pooches you will need to treat them just a little differently than you would normal pups.
Puppies that are redundantly shy or submissive have a tendency to grow up constantly looking to their humans for affection and positive reinforcement during practically any scenario.
They will run to mom or dad for their fix of soothing attention at every possible opportunity.
The number one mistake most dog owners make during the raising process is they reinforce these tendencies by caressing and soothing the scared little puppy.
If your like most you don't want your dog unable to interact on a healthy level with other pooches and people when she grows up.
You'll have to learn to keep a stiff upper lip, a sturdy snout, and ignore your pup anytime she whines or needs you.
You can teach a shy puppy to become outgoing and loving, just as you can teach an old dog new tricks.
You just have to be patient at first.
if your dog is timid and shy beyond measure you simply have to work harder to keep her from darting between your legs when someone comes over and scares her.
Here are some specific tips: Make sure the entire family is informed of your attempt at reforming your dog.
This way everyone can work together to ignore any whining, crying, or barking when they show up.
When someone has approached your pup in the past and the dog begins its crying and barking their natural reaction is to stop their approach.
This is how your dog learns that his fear-reaction was effective.
And in a dogs mind if it's effective, it's right.
You've all seen them beg relentlessly and shamelessly for hours just so they can get a single pepperoni! When the whole family and all your neighbors begin to work together your dog won't be receiving the wrong kind of signals anymore, and it will be easier to re-train and change your dogs behavior.
One last tip, if you're expecting company or guests anytime at home, keep the puppy secured by a leash to your belt loop.
This way when you go out and greet the company and she begins to whine and hide behind your legs, if you don't pet or soothe her then eventually she will become braver.
This is because once she realizes that her fear-based little stunts she pulled in the past don't produce the desired result anymore, and no longer get her the affection and affirmation she was so desperately seeking.