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Shy Shelter Dogs
Hello Everyone: I would love your ideas for a plan to help a very shy shelter dogs become more adoptable. The dog I’d like to help was found by animal control as a stray. She is approximately one year old, a husky, and is about 45 lbs. It seems like she was likely raised outdoors, and was not around people. She won’t look at people, won’t take treats, and she moves away from people who try to come near her. People in the shelter are able to pick her up however (to move her when necessary). She hasn’t shown overt signs of aggression when being picked up, but clearly doesn’t like it. So far, I’ve recommended that volunteers sit outside of her kennel and just hang out, and talk quietly. I’d love your advice and ideas. Thank you! -Sandy
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7 Replies
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Hi @sandy its so hard watching a shelter dog struggle and have so much fear. I like how you say sit from a distance. I suggest seeing where that “safe” distance is for this certain dogs. I know some people that sit right at the door line- and you can tell the dog is still very fearful, so basically too close. With room provided I would see where the body language starts with “ comfortable “ and start there. This is a tough one not knowing much of their background. I know others on here have more experience with shelter dogs and will chime in with better ideas that I can think of. Will she do a lick mat placed on the door and person walks away? Just the stress of shelter life I feel like can shut down some dogs… let me know if you have anymore details. Does the dog have any health issues or pain?
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Hi Krista @pawsup ! Thanks so much! Unfortunately there isn’t much more information on these pups. The suspicion is that there is a backyard breeder who is turning these pups lose if they can’t sell them as young puppies. The shelter has had several of them. Some of them have been successfully adopted out as they are less fearful, but others struggle immensely with fear of people. It’s more of a ‘shut-down’ fear, with no signs of aggression.
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Is medication and option? With a dog like this, you may make more progress working with a veterinarian.
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Thanks for this feedback!!
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Hi Sandy,
I agree with Catherine — is there a way to consider meds for this dog?Also, if not already done, is the dog placed in the quietest, least-bustling location in the shelter? Is it an option for her to spend time in an office with someone during the day?
Have you reached out to a husky rescue group to see if they’ll consider taking her in? A foster situation could be less scary for this dog compared to the shelter setting.
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Great advice! Thank you so much!
I think that looping the vet in is a great first step here. ????????
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Agree with a foster based program for this dog… her triggers are likely to always be high while in the shelter environment. Poor pup.
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