Observing and Ducking to Retrieve Skittish Dogs

Dogs that have a xenophobic personality type or are generally “skittish” are very challenging to retrieve, even for their owners. These dogs are hardwired to be fearful. There are ways to get them back should they escape, though.

One method for getting close to a fearful dog is called the “Observe and Duck” technique. It’s been referred to by different names and all mean the same thing. When a skittish dog is observed during a search or if a person spots a dog in general, it’s best to immediately “duck” or crouch into a sitting or lying position. This behavior makes a dog curious and it’s non-threatening. Keep the dog in sight with peripheral vision and don’t look directly at the dog or its eyes.

When in the crouched or lying position with the dog in sight, begin to yawn. Behavioral studies have shown that animals don’t yawn while hunting. Also while yawning don’t show your teeth or try to cover your mouth with your hands. Should the dog not “buy” any of this and dart away, you’ll still be able to tell in which direction it went even though your head is turned. Of course, don’t wear sunglasses to cover your eyes!

The idea is to calm a skittish dog so that the dog will approach out of curiosity. If you have food with you that you can offer that’s helpful as well. Whatever you do don’t make sudden, quick movements. If you act calmly the dog may begin to trust you.