Anyone who has owned a dog knows that these animals are naturally social and thrive on interaction, be it with humans or other dogs. It’s their favorite pastime; if given the chance, they would happily spend their entire day running and playing.
However, some pups are more socially awkward or shy and struggle with playtime. Nicole Saulino’s dog, Cannoli, is one such case. After noticing Cannoli’s difficulty in making friends, Nicole and her husband began exploring training options and puppy events in New Jersey that could help their dog become more comfortable.
Well, That Didn’t Go As Planned
After realizing Cannoli’s social struggles, Nicole believed that attending training sessions and puppy events might help her dog gain confidence. The idea was simple: being around other dogs having fun might ease Cannoli’s anxiety. So, they attended a local puppy event, and while it started well, the results were mixed.
Cannoli spent the entire time seemingly confused about her role; she was awkwardly observing while making little effort to join in. Despite the attempts of other dogs to engage her in play, she refused to participate. This left Nicole a bit disappointed. Nevertheless, Nicole believed that with time Cannoli would become more comfortable.
It Will Take Some Time
Unfortunately, the second visit yielded similar results. Cannoli initially sat close to her human companions, hesitant to engage with other dogs. Eventually, she moved to the center but mostly remained passive, perhaps waiting for another dog to approach her. Although she had brief interactions with a few canines, it wasn’t substantial, yet Nicole still views this as a meaningful step forward.
Nicole observes that Cannoli tends to be fearful of larger dogs and is unsettled by loud barking, which could explain her reluctance to join the play. The trainer indicated that Cannoli may just need more time to feel secure in her environment and that she will gradually start engaging with other dogs as she adjusts. With patience, Nicole and her husband are hopeful that Cannoli will come out of her shell and enjoy playtime with her fellow pups.
