Being Shyla's Protector

I feel lucky that this dog, Shyla, has chosen to trust me. When I first met her, I wasn't certain that she would.

Of all the dogs I've had, I find that she relies me to help her navigate the world more than the others. We've worked out routines to deal with the things that scare her. We have a different relationship than I've had with previous dogs because Shyla needs me to help her cope with scary stuff.

For example, she is very afraid of loose dogs or strange people on the trails. Normally, I try to avoid meeting anyone by being out on the trails very early but that's not foolproof.

When Shyla becomes aware that loose dogs are approaching us, she freezes in place, standing directly in the middle of the trail. She shrinks by lowering her body so that she looks smaller. And, she becomes unresponsive to verbal instructions or even treats.

I've finally found a strategy that prevents her from being surrounded by the dogs and bullied. Before they get to us, I gently lead her off the trail by the collar. If there's a high spot, like a boulder, I guide her to stand on it. Then, I serve as a blocker, keeping the dogs or curious people away from her. None of the dogs who we normally see on our trails are aggressive. However, Shyla's fearful demeanor seems to make them overly focused on her.

I'm so glad that we've figured out a way to cope with it, assuming that we see the other dogs soon enough. Shyla has started to look to me as others approach, waiting for me to lead her to safety.

But, as much as I love being needed by Shyla, I am still hoping that she will learn to stand tall on her own. My latest thought is that she might eventually figure out that she can leave the trail and stay off to the side all by herself - and thereby avoid the onslaught of a group of loose dogs. She does initiate this strategy, but only when she becomes aware of the other dogs before they see her. After they see her, she's paralyzed by fear.

She's come so far that I have hope that she'll someday have confidence in herself around strangers. Look at those eyes - they have a spark and determination that make me believe that she can do it.

In the meantime, I'll continue to help her when she's afraid. There is something gratifying about being needed by her. However, I hope that someday she doesn't need me to protect her because that would mean that she has self-confidence!