Author: Amanda G, Former ARF Volunteer

As a cat volunteer at Animal Rescue Foundation, I’d seen Clyde but didn’t give him a second thought. My partner, Micah (another ARF volunteer) and I were “cat people ” and Clyde had already been adopted and returned, maybe for good reason. But Micah told me to say “Hi” to Clyde when I passed his enclosure.

One day, Clyde wasn’t feeling well and I sat with him, gently petting him and giving him space. He was shy, but even licked me after a while. Over the next few months, I visited with him weekly, after volunteering with the cats, either in his enclosure or out in the yard. He was terrified of going near the fence or leaving the shelter. The first time I carried him to the door, he peed all over me. But I was already smitten.

Taking Clyde Home

After a few months of treats and playing in the yard, and holding him, shaking, in the parking lot, to get him used to being outside the shelter, we decided to try and bring him home.

For the first few weeks, I carried him downstairs to wait for him to relax enough to go to the bathroom in the fenced yard (he wouldn’t go on walks) and slowly introduced him to our 4 cats, including one adopted from ARF. My partner and I were resigned to the fact that he might be permanently anxious and withdrawn.

But, a year and a half after his adoption, Clyde is a completely different, happy-go-lucky, very affectionate and curious dog, my perfect soul-dog. He’s taken a long time to warm up, but now he loves to run and play at the dog park, go on long trail walks, and he even accepts pets from strangers.

Here are some tips that have helped my shy and anxious boy to shine:
(Please remember each dog is different. These are the things that worked for Clyde and were tried after discussing with his vet.)

  • His own blanket he’s allowed to destroy
  • Plenty of exercise, and plenty of time when he can be off leash and explore or play at his own pace (e.g. dog park)
  • Plenty of positive reinforcement through talking, pets, play, and treats
  • Never scolding him except if it’s something really bad (e.g. going after a cat)
  • Supplements (theanine, ProQuiet) and medication recommended by a Fear Free-certified veterinarian
  • Training through plenty of gentle and forgiving repetition (e.g. walking on sidewalks)
  • Bring him out to sniff and meet new people before they go into his house/territory
  • Redirect anxious behavior (e.g. calmly standing in front of him when he’s barking at people outside)
Clyde lays on a bed with 4 cats

Clyde with his four cat siblings, including Aviv, who was also adopted from ARF.

 

Visit the Animal Rescue Foundation in Beacon, NY, and meet the wonderful cats waiting for their forever homes. You might just find your own Clyde, ready to be your soul-dog.

Take a look at our adoptable kittens and cats! 

Animal Rescue Foundation, commonly known as ARF, is a Federal 501(c)(3) non-profit, no-kill, 100% volunteer animal rescue located in Beacon, NY. Since 1986, we’ve rescued, rehabilitated, sheltered, and found loving homes for thousands of cats and dogs. Adopt, volunteer, or donate and make a difference!

This post was written by Amanda G., a former ARF volunteer, and is based on her personal experience. It is not intended to serve as professional advice from Animal Rescue Foundation, a veterinarian or a dog trainer. For serious concerns about your pet’s health or behavior, please consult with a licensed professional.