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      Shy

      How to teach your dog the "shy" trick

      The Shy Trick

      The Shy Trick

      Introduction

      It is common for dogs to cover their eyes with one paw. This behavior can be seen in dogs of all ages and breeds. There are a few reasons why dogs might do this.

      Common Misconceptions

      • Misconception: Dogs cover their eyes to hide from something they're afraid of.
      • Fact: This is not always the case. Dogs may cover their eyes for a variety of reasons, including fear, anxiety, or submission.
      • Misconception: Dogs cover their eyes to protect themselves from the sun.
      • Fact: This is also not always the case. Dogs may cover their eyes to protect themselves from bright lights, but they may also do it for other reasons.

      Steps to Address

      Teaching Phase

      1. Have your dog sit in front of you.
      2. Stick a sticker or a piece of tape on his muzzle.
      3. Mark and reward whenever your dog tries to take the object off his face.
      4. Begin tapping your dog's nose after placing the object on his nose after several repetitions of the previous steps. This cue will help to phase out the need for placing an object on your dog's muzzle.
      5. After several repetitions of the previous step, start to trigger the action using only the nose tap.

      Reinforcing Phase

      1. Once your dog is successfully putting his paw on his nose 80-90% of the time with minimal reinforcement or lures, you can start giving a verbal cue "shy" just before he's about to put his paw on his nose.
      2. Mark and reward the moment he puts his paw on his nose.

      Proofing Phase

      1. Start practicing "shy" around other environments with more energy and distraction.
      2. Add distance and duration gradually over time.

      Maintenance Phase

      1. Consistently practice "shy" in every obedience session.
      2. Reinforce variably over time upon completions.
      3. Apply corrections if the dog does not respond appropriately after one command.

      Case Studies

      Here are a few case studies of dogs who have stopped covering their eyes:

      • Case Study 1: A golden retriever named Buddy was afraid of other dogs. He would cover his eyes whenever he saw another dog. His owner started by desensitizing him to other dogs. She would take him to parks and dog-friendly stores where he could see other dogs from a distance. Gradually, she brought him closer and closer to other dogs until he was no longer afraid.
      • Case Study 2: A German shepherd named Daisy was anxious in new environments. She would cover her eyes whenever she went to a new place. Her owner started by taking her to new places in short increments. She would stay with her and comfort her until she was calm. Gradually, she stayed in new places for longer periods of time.
      • Case Study 3: A chihuahua named Taco was submissive to other dogs. He would cover his eyes whenever another dog approached him. His owner started by teaching him the command "sit." When Taco sat, his owner would give him a treat. Gradually, she introduced him to other dogs and taught him to sit when they approached.

      Pet Parent Coaching Tips

      Here are a few tips for pet parents who are trying to help their dogs stop covering their eyes:

      • Be patient and consistent with your training. It may take some time for your dog to overcome their fear or anxiety.
      • Don't force your dog to do anything they're not comfortable with.
      • Reward your dog for good behavior.
      • Be understanding and supportive. Your dog is not doing this to be annoying or disobedient. They are doing it because they are feeling scared or anxious.

      Conclusion

      There are a few reasons why dogs cover their eyes with one paw. It is important to figure out the reason why your dog is doing it so that you can address the underlying issue. With patience and consistency, you can help your dog overcome their fear or anxiety and stop covering their eyes.

      Frequently Asked Questions

      • Q: What if my dog is covering their eyes all the time?
        A: If your dog is covering their eyes all the time, it's important to take them to the vet to rule out any medical causes. If there is no medical cause, then you can start to work on desensitizing your dog to the triggers that are causing them to cover their eyes.
      • Q: How can I help my dog feel more comfortable in new environments?
        A: Start by taking your dog to new places in short increments. Stay with them and comfort them until they are calm. Gradually, stay in new places for longer periods of time. You can also try bringing their favorite toy or blanket with them to make them feel more comfortable.