Aurora – How We Help the Shy and Reclusive Dogs

We’re often the go-to shelter for pets with significant behavior challenges, including dogs and cats that are so fearful they avoid all human touch. Even through the worst of the pandemic months when many shelters weren’t taking in tough cases, we made sure we made room and continued to help the pets who really needed us.

Usually, our goal is always to get each pet to the point where they trust at least a couple of people at the shelter before we send them to their new home, but sometimes we spend months and months and still can’t make that much progress. In those cases, we look for very special fosters and adopters who can continue the important work of building a strong relationship and showing their new pet that humans are kind and can be trusted. These adopters are truly one-of-a-kind – they have so much love in their heart that they take home a pet that doesn’t want to be pet or cuddled, trusting that they will get there someday.

Aurora is one of these special dogs.

When we work with fearful dogs like Aurora, the best thing we can do is… nothing! It sounds funny, but letting Aurora observe us in a low-pressure way proves to her that we are not a threat and there’s no reason to be anxious or scared. We don’t want to try to touch her or interact with her before she’s ready.

Next, we start to toss treats when we walk by. This helps her form a positive association with our presence and gives her something to look forward to when we approach (instead of dreading being looked at or touched).

Over time, we start to look for tiny bits of progress that show she’s feeling more comfortable. This could include more eye contact, changes in body language (more relaxed body, tail not tucked, softer eyes), moving around the space more, eating in front of us, etc.!

With more challenging cases like Aurora, we have to celebrate even the TINIEST signs of progress so we know we’re moving in the right direction. Depending on the progress she makes, our Behavior Program Manager creates a specialized plan for staff or her fosters and future adopters to use to help her make bigger steps towards being approached and pet by people.

Aurora has been in foster with us for four months now and has made a bit of progress, but isn’t quite ready to be touched yet. We’ve had so many successes with shy pets getting adopted lately that we’re hoping that special, one-of-a-kind adopter will step up for Aurora soon too.

She has shown signs that she likes to play, eat treats, and she’ll likely be fine in a home with other calm dogs and cats. All she needs is a home with a lot of love and patience to allow her to blossom when she’s ready. If you think you’re the person Aurora has been waiting for, our Behavior Program Manager is ready to support you 100% of the way. No experience necessary, just a big heart!