Dogs are naturally social creatures, and most love spending their time playing with people or other dogs.
It’s their favorite pastime, and if they could, they would likely spend the whole day running and having fun.
However, some pups are more reserved or shy, and they don’t immediately know how to engage with other dogs.
Cannoli, the dog of Nicole Saulino from New Jersey, fits this description. When Nicole and her husband realized their dog needed help becoming more social, they started considering options to improve her interactions.
A Plan That Didn’t Quite Work
After noticing Cannoli struggled in social situations, Nicole decided that attending training sessions or puppy events in New Jersey could help.
With many other dogs present, she hoped Cannoli would feel more comfortable seeing that other pups were enjoying themselves.
The plan seemed simple and straightforward, so Nicole brought Cannoli to a puppy event. Things went about as expected.
Throughout the session, Cannoli appeared unsure of what she was supposed to do. She wandered awkwardly and tried her best to avoid participating.
Some dogs attempted to include her in their play, but she remained hesitant. Nicole realized the event wasn’t unfolding as she had hoped.
Though slightly discouraged by Cannoli’s behavior, she decided her pup just needed more time and planned to attend another puppy event.
Progress Takes Time
The second visit produced similar results. Cannoli initially stayed close to the humans, avoiding other dogs.
Eventually, she ventured into the center of the group but sat quietly, perhaps waiting for another dog to approach her.
She interacted briefly with a few dogs, but that was the extent of her play. Nicole still considered this a positive step.
Nicole explained that Cannoli often feels intimidated by larger dogs and loud barking, which likely influenced her reluctance to join in.
A trainer advised that Cannoli might simply need time to assess her surroundings and feel secure. She wants to ensure no other dog poses a threat before engaging fully.
With patience and repeated exposure, Cannoli is expected to gradually come out of her shell and start playing more with other dogs. Her owners are committed to giving her the time she needs.