Loving Our Shy and Fearful Dogs
I started The eXtraOrdinary Dog (The XO Dog) because I find that loving shy and fearful dogs can be very isolating; forays into the wider world are fraught with anxiety; the public generally isn’t interested or educated about shy dogs; inviting guests to the house becomes a heart pounding, nail biting production.
Love alone doesn’t seem to be enough to “fix” what appears 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.
Over the course of almost 20 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.
If you’re reading this, please consider adding your voice and your experience over at The eXtraOrdinary Dog Community Facebook Group. I post content once a day, seven days a week, and encourage others to post too. I typically choose articles written by reputable authors that deal directly with issues we specifically encounter with our XO Dogs, or that may broaden our knowledge base. I also post resources, including websites, books and videos that may help you with your own dog.
Once a week I write an original post here at The eXtraOrdinary Dog Blog on subjects or techniques that I use personally, either at our shelter or for my personal dogs and I will share a link to every post over at the Facebook Group.
If you have questions, I’ll do my best to answer. Other group members may have insights of their own that will also contribute to the discussion. Occasionally, I’ll include something specifically about Katie and Rosie, my own dogs, so you can laugh with me, commiserate or be reminded that life with eXtraOrdinary Dogs can sometimes be embarrassing or messy, but never dull.
I look forward to taking this journey with you… and your eXtraOrdinary Dog.
– Annmarie McCarthy, CPDT-KA