Confidence tricks
By Christine Foster

Dogs and cats, like people, need confidence—and not just the kind that comes with a home and the security of family. Confidence also blossoms with consistency, and this is one of the hardest things to provide at a shelter, no matter how well it is run.

Cindy is a doll. A large, inconsistent doll. She knows she lives where there are a lot of other dogs and she’s not afraid of them. She enjoys running and playing and isn’t at all aggressive. In fact, she stays clear of roughhousing. But in her cage she is less sure.

Some visitors seem to make her withdraw, while others elicit a goofy greeting, tail wagging, as she tries to push her nose through the cage door so far you’d think she’d get stuck. Sometimes she’s bothered by loud noises, and sometimes she isn’t.

What Cindy needs is predictability. When you adopt a dog that seems uncertain or shy, here are some tips to help bring out their personal best:



1. Provide a crate, but leave the door open. The dog may need a place to retreat if feeling overwhelmed.

2. Talk to the dog in a natural cheerful way, but never give attention for being shy. Comforting or coddling a shy dog becomes a reward for the behavior and can actually reinforce it.

3. Instruct your family and guests to ignore the dog unless it comes up to them on its own. Have small treats to reward the dog when it comes over to say “hi”.

4. Obedience training with positive rewards reassures the dog that you’re in charge, consistent and fair. It will learn to trust you and feel safe. 

5. Exercise is a great stress buster.

Cindy is now a healthy adult, having been with us since she was a pup. No doubt, she has tons of personality and would make a devoted, loyal companion once her confidence level is boosted with a healthy dose of consistency and love.

This week’s cat is a beautiful Siamese cross that is normally a quiet, charming and affectionate lap cat. Yet she went home with a family recently and reportedly never stopped meowing. Strangely, once back at the shelter she became silent and super sweet again. Our best guess is that she was frightened, confused or puzzled. Bringing out her personal best will again be a question of reassurance, consistency and confidence building. Why not take a bit of time with the gals in the female cat cage and see if she thinks you might be just the one to do the job?

The SPA is located at Los Pinos 7, off Calzada de la Estación, near the bus station. Adoption and volunteer hours are Monday to Friday, 11am–2pm and 4–6pm. For more information visit www.spassanmiguel.org  or call 152-6124.