The Beauty of the "Shy Dogs"
Opie & Ivy 

Working with shy dogs is our specialty. We see open books waiting to be read.. we see beautiful souls that have been taught to hide their true selves out of fear.. we see individuals simply wanting to trust in a safe environment. We are constantly rewarded when a once nervous dog comes out of their shell and begins to blossom! Give the shy dogs a chance.. they just might be the dog you've been looking for! Opie and Ivy are two once nervous, shy, reserved dogs that have both since been adopted! Read their uplifting story below. 

We vividly remember the time when Opie was a wee little fearful pup needing the help of other dogs to come out of her shell… Well, now it’s her turn to help the nervous ones!

Opie and Ivy have developed a beautiful relationship which, in turn, is helping Ivy learn to trust the people and environment around her. What an amazing, rewarding experience to watch unfold! Both lovely ladies are up for adoption

When working with fearful dogs, or dogs in general, it is important to keep the space invitational. Meaning... don't invade the dogs space with lots of petting or forward motion. Rather settle back and allow them to come to you. The video below is a perfect example.

​Raymone is interacting with Opie.. he is down on her level, his shoulders are back, his gaze is low and away to show Opie he's not a threat to her, he reached out to pet her but without noise in his body language. It is perfection and Opie is lapping it up! Beck is hanging out with Ivy.. notice Beck invites Ivy to her but Beck does not to go Ivy. This leaves room for Ivy to come towards Beck. When she does, Beck gently pets her while averting her eyes and keep her posture upright. This is showing Ivy that Beck is not a threat and it is safe to share space. 

Above Raymone is interacting with Opie.. he is down on her level, his shoulders are back, his gaze is low and away to show Opie he's not a threat to her, he reached out to pet her but without noise in his body language. It is perfection and Opie is lapping it up!

To the right, Beck is hanging out with Ivy.. notice Beck invites Ivy to her but Beck does not to go Ivy. This leaves room for Ivy to come towards Beck. When she does, Beck gently pets her while averting her eyes and keeping her posture upright. This is showing Ivy that Beck is not a threat and it is safe to share space. 

Ivy was able to open up and trust the people and environment around her largely due to her relationship with Opie. Without Opie's calm energy to follow, I am not sure Ivy would have made as much progress. Dogs are social beings. If they enjoy the presence of other dogs, it is always a priority of ours to pair them up and let them BE DOGS! 

                        Written by Jamie Ianello, IAABC-SBA