Living with a Reactive Dog.
Bert looks into what it is really like for our guardians.
“Alright, lovely humans, it’s me Bert and my Friday Blog. I want to have a bit of a heart to heart about something important, what it’s really like living with a reactive dog. However before I start just for the record I think the word reactive is a bit negative but it is a word you humans use so I will stick with it, for now!
Now, let’s get this right as it is important, being reactive doesn’t mean we are BAD, AGGRESSIVE, NAUGHTY, BEING DOMINANT or that our guardians have somehow failed us. If you are reading this and feeling guilty please do not, we have got this together.
For the humans, it can be really isolating, walks become a military operation dodging people, dogs, bikes, runners you name it, they are avoiding it and not enjoying their walks with us, the dream of having a dog is shattered. Whilst other humans are happily strolling through the park, sitting in the pub, the cafe, all with their dogs, reactive dog guardians can find themselves creeping down quiet streets at odd hours getting neck injuries looking around corners or just staying home altogether.
That takes a toll, you know? The worry, the constant alertness, the feeling that eyes are on you judging, oh and the guilt you humans feel is terrible for you. I’ve seen it in my own human sometimes, that nagging thought that “What did I do, I feel so bad this must be my fault, I’ve let my best mate down”. Note to Dad, you have never let me down, well there was that time you broke a treat in half but other than that you are doing okay.
Let me bust a myth right here and now, reactivity isn’t about being a bad guardian or a bad dog. It’s a behaviour often driven by emotions like fear, frustration, pain, anxiety, excitement, a response often shaped by past experiences, genetics, or plain old personality. Think of it like this, the emotion is the spark(fear, frustration etc) and the Behaviour is the alarm bell(barking, lunging etc). No one is to blame, and there’s certainly no shame in it. Phew that was a lot for me to process so I can only imagine how tough that was for you humans, just kidding you humans are great!
To the friends and family reading this, your mate with a reactive dog, they could really use your understanding, don’t pressure them to “just bring the dog” to busy gatherings or suggest a “quick fix.” Instead, offer a walk somewhere quiet or simply check in and say, “How’s it going?” A little empathy goes a long way.
If you see someone having a tough time with their dog please just create more space, a smile and a nod and no judgement to the human, as for us dogs we love it when humans move away from us when we are struggling they are our favourite humans, thank you Hooman.
So, from me, Bert, to all those sharing their lives with dogs with big emotions, YOU ARE AWESOME. If you’re feeling isolated because your dog reacts, know you’re not alone far from it. You’re doing your best for your dog, and that’s something worth celebrating.
Let’s all be a bit kinder to ourselves and each other, yeah?
With love and a cuddle.
Bert
P.S that awesome dog in the photo is Narla and she sometimes shouts and that is okay. We love Narla.
We offer a range of services from 1-2-1’s and classes that your anxious dog may be able to attend. For more details do not hesitate to contact us.
For some dogs, a class environment may not always be ideal and can be stressful. Our 1-2-1 dog training sessions Read more
Our 6 week puppy course covers all the basics to get you and your pup off to a flying start. Read more
Life Skills course is a great follow on course from our puppy classes as well as a great starting point Read more
