It appears as though in addition to being shy you will be furthermore girl-shy, so be sure to try this on people as well. Selecting female cashiers on grocery store, etc and claiming some keywords (Thank you typically covers really) is an excellent start with this. Eye contact could be difficult to begin with on, application on yourself during the mirror.
Oh, and you will simply take that daschund canine for strolls, while training their eye contact and a grin. This might provide opprotunity to rehearse some small-talk with strangers, and that can only mention your puppy....