Help! My new rescue is so shy - any tech that might help?

Hey everyone, I just adopted a 3-year-old rescue dog (mixed breed, maybe some shepherd?) last week. He's super sweet but incredibly shy and anxious. He hides under furniture most of the day and startles at every little noise. I'm worried he's not adjusting well and I want to help him feel safe. Are there any pet tech gadgets or smart devices that could help with this? I've seen cameras and treat dispensers but not sure what's actually useful for a nervous pup. Thanks in advance!

First off, THANK YOU for adopting a rescue! ❤️ It's completely normal for them to be shy at first - it can take weeks or even months for them to fully settle in. I've had great success with smart cameras like Furbo or Petcube for my anxious dog. Being able to check in and talk to him during the day really helped him get used to my voice when I wasn't home. Some even have treat-tossing features you can use to reward calm behavior remotely! Just remember - tech is a tool, not a replacement for patience and positive reinforcement. Have you tried creating a safe 'den' space for him?

Welcome to the rescue club! My Akita was the same way when I first got him. For big dogs especially, I'd recommend looking into calming devices like Adaptil diffusers (pheromone-based) or even some of the newer smart calming beds that have gentle vibration/heating features. Also, smart feeders on a schedule can help establish routine, which anxious dogs really benefit from. But honestly? The best 'tech' might just be a good old-fashioned security camera so you can learn his patterns without disturbing him. How's he with treats? That's usually a good indicator of progress!

Not a dog person myself (team reptiles over here 🦎), but I use smart thermostats and humidity controllers for my terrariums to keep my lizards stress-free. Consistency is key for anxious animals! Maybe look into smart home integration? You could set up routines with smart lights that gradually brighten instead of sudden changes, or white noise machines on smart plugs to mask scary outside sounds. Less about fancy pet-specific gadgets, more about controlling their environment gently. Just a thought from the aquarium/reptile side of things!