We have had this situation occur many times, and I have worked with the most timid of rescue dogs especially as I support the O.U.R Dog Foundation, Saving Romanian’s Death Row Dogs. When I first enter the home of a timid dog I make no eye contact and use several subtle body language techniques which I developed when studying with the Australian Veterinary surgeon Dr. Edward Bassingthwaite. During this time I am diplomatically assessing the dog visually but, at the same time, allow the dog to take his time to suss out who I am and what I am about. Usually when a timid dogs creeps nearer because curiosity has got the better of him I slightly alter my body language to reinforce I am no threat. I will not push or rush building up the trust but it never fails to amaze me how these timid dogs slowly come out of their comfort zones. I have a brief video on my website of a wonderful Romanian dog would hide behind the furniture barking, terrified. Just using the body language alone we were able to reach a point where the dog allowed brief touch and then towards the end was relaxed asleep while I was doing some gentle hands-on work.