Nervous around other dogs

1What you’re seeing

He was really nervous and he was a bit reactive…He would sort of lunge and just get over excited.

Luna has always been pretty timid around other dogs…

…my pup is a teacup and gets nervous around groups of dogs.

2Why it happens

A nervous dog is rarely a bad dog. Most have met other dogs in the wrong places, too fast. A chaotic environment where a shy dog gets bullied by other dogs can unfortunately create an anxious dog. What helps is the opposite: a calm room, a slow start, and dogs who are easy to be around.

So an orderly daycare environment can be a haven for anxious dogs allowing them to finally relax.

3What we do

• Every dog starts with a careful introduction to the group — not a free-for-all. Over days and weeks, we help them find dogs they click with, learn the social rules, and settle in.
• Tell us your dog is on the shy side when you book, and their first day is run around it: space, a quiet corner, and one calm dog at a time.
• We keep the group balanced and calm. Play happens naturally, and dogs can also rest and just watch for a while — a dog observing from the sidelines is engaged and learning, not missing out.
• Watch your dog live on mobile or desktop.

4What changes

Slowly, and on their own timeline. Parents tell us it takes weeks, sometimes months.

She slowly went from curling up in the corner to cuddling and playing with the other dogs!

He’s completely changed now. He’s such a social animal.

…which has helped his anxiety about bigger dogs and other people.