If this is something you’ve thought or said before please know that you are not alone.
Owning a “reactive” dog can come tied up with so many emotions: fear, embarrassment, guilt, overwhelm, frustration, anger…the list goes on.
When my dog was dog reactive I felt all of these things and more on a revolving basis and the judgement I so often felt from others did nothing to help.
I was embarrassed when my dog lunged and growled at other dogs walking past, seemingly minding their own business.
I was furious when a “don’t worry, he’s friendly” dog came running up to my on lead scared boy and then the other owner told ME off when he barked
I felt guilty that I wasn’t able to help my dog and worried that things were never going to change
I felt frustrated and angry that he couldn’t just be a “normal dog” and then guilty for thinking those things in equal measures
I tried treats, distance, 1:1 trainers. early walks, late walks, no walks, focus games…YOU NAME IT, I TRIED IT!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/369138013767369/?source_id=1738509262862903
And catch tomorrow’s LIVE AT FIVE Q&A session where all be talking about how to help those anxious, reactive and LOVELY dogs. If you can’t make it at 5pm, no worries, there will be a replay.
Holly x