Life with a reactive dog

Dogs are renowned for requiring lots of time, work and patience however when you have a reactive rescue dog the amounts needed are more than doubled. These animals have more complex needs and thus require so much more understanding and time patience than most dogs. Many reactive dogs are rescue dogs and often their past experiences are not known meaning that we cannot predict the way in which they will react to different situations. Having rescued a very nervous and dog reactive dog two years ago this is something that has been reinforced with every new situation we have experienced. Some he has found extremely enjoyable whereas others he found stressful and was incredibly reactive. Over time we have enjoyed many good times as well as many situations from which we have learnt. Dogs need chance to overcome their issues and in order to be given this chance they need love and understanding. Despite this need for love a strong leader is also required of the handler as they need to teach the dog to look to them for reassurance and guidance.

Previously I would get anxious taking my anxious dog out however now, thanks to the power of social media and the ability to connect with other owners of reactive dogs I have been able to understand what my dog needs from me. And this is my support. Now that I advocate for my dog and do not let off lead dogs approach him unless he is comfortable he is far less reactive and I have realised that I am the owner doing the responsible thing. Several weeks ago an off lead dog bounded up to my dog, even after I made it very clear he was not friendly but the owner still had no intention of recalling her dog. She very quickly realised what I meant by not friendly. (Don’t worry, my dog is always muzzled in busy places). Eventually she regained control of her dog after it had harassed and been told off by my Bud. We walked in a different direction and Bud was happily walking along when we encountered another group of off lead dogs. We moved to the side and let them pass. There was no issue, however the same off lead dog from the start of the walk came bounding round the corner, harassing every dog in the vicinity and its owner was nowhere to be seen. Again he hassled Bud. I had to push him away and create a physical barrier as he was so intent on getting to Bud. As we tried to walk away the out of control dog (who was admittedly a gorgeous dog, just unfortunately lacking in training and manners) became interested in the group of off lead dogs also on the path and started to chase them, the dogs were visibly uncomfortable and some were even squealing as the dog leaped and jumped all over them. Eventually the owner strolled around the corner and was mortified that her dog had been upset by others. However, her dog was perfectly happy and still out of control. This is a prime example of how people with poorly trained dogs believe that their dogs should be able to invade the space of any other animal it sees. This is what makes owning a reactive dog and helping them to overcome their issues so difficult.

Despite this Bud is now managing to walk on a long line when in less busy places however it has taken two years of training, hard work and lots and lots of love for him to be able to walk next to me and not lose his mind whenever he sees a person or animal in the distance.

Everyday life with him gets easier and easier, the only issue he has is with other dogs that he does not know and he is getting better and better with them every day. Last night we had a lovely walk despite the rain and with string walk on commands he walked past several dogs and focused on me. Every time this happens it is a major proud mom moment and it is happening more and more. The love he gives is like no other dog I have ever had and together we have both conquered our anxiety.

All we want is for other dog owners to ask before they allow them to make contact with our dog and not judge our dogs for not liking animals in their personal space.