Help! My new rescue is so shy - will treats help build confidence?

Hey everyone, just brought home a 2-year-old rescue mix yesterday. She's sweet but SO timid - hides under the table, won't make eye contact, and barely eats. I want to bond with her and help her feel safe. Are there specific treats that might encourage her to come out of her shell? Or should I avoid treats until she's more settled? Any advice welcome!

First off, THANK YOU for adopting a rescue! ♥️ Give her time - it can take weeks for them to decompress. For treats: start with super high-value, smelly ones like freeze-dried liver or salmon bits. Toss them near her (don't force hand-feeding yet) so she associates you with good things. Also, try hand-feeding her regular meals softly - it builds trust. Avoid anything crunchy/loud that might startle her. Keep sessions short & positive!

Totally agree with Vicky! My Akita was a scared rescue too. What worked for us was using soft training treats (like Zuke's minis) and just sitting on the floor ignoring her while scattering treats around me. She eventually crept over. Also, try a lick mat with peanut butter or yogurt - licking is calming! Just check the ingredients, some treats have junk that won't help. How big is your pup?

Adding on - if she's not eating much, try warming her food a bit to enhance smell, or mix in a little low-sodium broth. And Alice's lick mat idea is golden! For shy dogs, routine is key: same spot, same gentle voice, same treat time daily. It's not just about the treat type, but how you use it to build predictable positive moments. You got this!