A Letter From Your Shy and Fearful Dog

I started The ExtraOrdinary Dog (EOD) because I found that loving my shy and fearful dog felt very isolating. Forays into the wider world were fraught with anxiety. The public generally isn’t interested or educated about shy dogs. Inviting guests to the house became a heart pounding, nail biting production.

Love alone didn’t seem to be enough to “fix” what appeared to be broken.

When Gracie, my first ExtraOrdinary Dog, started becoming more and more reactive, I cried many tears, called reputable trainers, took obedience classes and ultimately made very little progress. I was desperate for answers and needed someone to tell me, “you’re doing a good job…don’t give up. Did you try X? Or what about Y?”

That’s where the support of a group of like minded people on the same journey changed my life, and Gracie’s life, too.

I received recommendations for (positive) trainers, dog camps, training methods and feeding options, but most importantly, I could celebrate the victories, analyze the setbacks and laugh (or cry) without being judged in a safe, encouraging environment. That support forever altered how I interacted with Gracie… and every dog thereafter.

I am not a professional dog trainer. Over the course of eighteen years and three fearful dogs of my own, I’ve amassed experience through seminars, courses, classes, camps, books, and volunteering (and now working) at our local shelter. My dogs have been my best and most patient teachers, and it is because of them that I have the courage to share what I know.

Based on life with my own fearful dogs and my work with shy and fearful dogs at the shelter, I have created A Letter From Your Shy and Fearful Dog: 12 Rules for Living a Happy Life with Me… Your Shy and Fearful Dog. It’s an important list of suggestions that I imagine every shy and fearful dog would like to share with their special person. It took me many years to learn what my ExtraOrdinary Dogs had to teach me. I hope this letter helps you find happiness with your shy and fearful dog.

Register as a member here at The ExtraOrdinary Dog (for free!) and A Letter From Your Shy and Fearful Dog will be sent directly to your inbox as a thank you.

If you are searching for ways to provide the best quality of life for your ExtraOrdinary Dog, you have come to the right place. We are a community built on kindness, dedicated to providing support and encouragement so that you and your own ExtraOrdinary Dog can grow and flourish.

I look forward to taking this journey with you and your dog.