How to support a nervous dog
Dogs are social animals, but like us, they may not be confident with everybody they encounter. Your dog looks to you for guidance, so here’s what you can do to help them relax around new people.
Meet Kimmie
Kimmie arrived at Woodgreen completely traumatised and shut down after being found homeless in Ireland. Eli, one of our Dog Team soon realised she had potential in the company of other dogs, and that really helped her to build her confidence.
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Thousands of pets come to Woodgreen every year all in need of love, support and a new forever home. We rely on your donations to keep our doors open.
Kimmie, who appeared on The Dog Show, Series 1 Episode 4, is a sweet young lady who came from another dog rescue shelter. She arrived at Woodgreen in an extremely anxious state. Like many others who share her story, she’s a bit sensitive and it takes time to gain her trust.
“Socialising her with confident dogs brought the confidence out of her.”
Kimmie was completely shut down, traumatised. She dropped to the floor whenever you went over to her. She spent most of her time in bed. She came over with a dog called Joey, so we put them together. She needed a lot of socialisation with people and other dogs. The best thing for her was being around other dogs. That really helped her. It built up her confidence. On walks she was petrified. If a car went past she’d be in the nearest bush. She had no behavioural issues, she was just worried.
Kimmie suffered extreme confidence issues
The biggest change we saw in her was how much she grew in confidence. On walks we would try and get as many dogs out with her at once, so she was surrounded by friends. Socialising her with confident dogs brought the confidence out of her. We did a lot of crate training with her. For such a nervous dog like her it’s good to have a safe space. She just grew in confidence and built relationships – by the time she was rehomed she’d be straight on your lap and wanted a fuss.
See more from Woodgreen and The Dog House
Read more about 'How to support a nervous dog'
Help more dogs like Kimmie and Dennis
Whether its a dog like Kimmie, shut down and in need of love and affection, or one like Dennis found abandoned on the road, we’re here to help – with your support.
Explore more from The Dog House
We’re honoured to give Channel Four access to Woodgreen for The Dog House. Explore more and see the work our handlers, vets, specialists and volunteers do every day, giving animals another chance at life.
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