How to Help a Shy Dog
Fearful dogs avoid people or things that frighten them; they may look like they’re depressed or not interested in anything at all. Sometimes they might even lunge or put on a barking display to make whatever they’re afraid at the moment retreat and go away.
If you’ve decided to share your life with a shy or even a formerly feral dog, check out this link from Best Friends (http://bestfriends.org). They’ve shared this information with the hope that it can help you understand what your dog is feeling, and give you ways to help help him/her feel safe and get better.
Feral Dogs and Shy Dogs: How to Help Them