Playtime usually comes naturally to dogs. Give them a little space, a friendly face, or another pup nearby, and many are ready to run, chase, tumble, and wag like the whole world has turned into a game.
But confidence does not arrive the same way for every dog.
Some pups need more patience before they feel safe enough to join in, especially when other dogs are involved.
Cannoli, who lives with Nicole Saulino in New Jersey, was one of those hesitant dogs.
When Nicole and her husband realized Cannoli felt uneasy around other dogs, they started looking for kind, low-pressure ways to help her feel more comfortable.
Trying To Help Cannoli Open Up
After realizing Cannoli struggled in social settings, Nicole decided that attending puppy classes or group events might help. Surrounded by other dogs, Cannoli might learn that playtime could actually be fun.
So, Nicole brought her to a local puppy event, hoping for progress.
At first, Cannoli seemed completely unsure of herself. She wandered around cautiously, uncertain about how to behave.
Other dogs tried to invite her to play, but she hesitated and mostly kept to herself. Nicole quickly realized things were not going as she had hoped.
Still, she wasn’t discouraged. Nicole knew Cannoli just needed more time to adjust, so she decided to bring her back for another session.
Slow But Steady Progress
At the next event, Cannoli’s behavior was similar. She stayed close to her owners, avoiding the chaos of the other dogs.
Eventually, she walked toward the center of the play area but sat quietly, watching everything unfold. When a few dogs came over, she interacted briefly before retreating again. To Nicole, even this small step was a sign of progress.
Nicole explained that Cannoli often feels overwhelmed by loud barking and bigger dogs, which makes her hesitant to join in.
A trainer suggested that Cannoli’s cautiousness came from her need to feel safe before engaging. Once she was confident that no one would hurt her, she might begin to play more freely.
With time, patience, and gentle encouragement, Cannoli’s confidence is expected to grow. Her owners are committed to giving her every chance to blossom into the happy, social dog she was meant to be.