Doggo Adventures

Today I heartily celebrate you dog guardians dealing with canine reactive behaviour!

Because (and bear with me)

Loud reactive behaviour is telling us clearly what our dogs need, how they feel and when they feel it.

These dogs are actually the positive reactors because they can’t be ignored, they are confident to be demanding the space they need.

They are amazing canine communicators in a situation they simply cannot feel safe in.

We are seeing a dog who is not afraid to show us their feelings, because while the situation itself doesn't feel safe, our presence doesn't stop them having a voice.

And

If your dog reacts with fear, tries to run away or hide when something particular comes into their environment I want to commend you for reading this.

The internal reactors, the dogs who freeze, they are less of a problem to us but actually, they are having more of a problem.

They feel helpless, they hide inside and expect to be hurt, with no control over the environment at all.

These dogs are much worse off than the ones who shout and holler for their space, because their fear is often ignored.

Yet the fact that you’re reading this means that your scared friend is being empathised with, and being understood by a person who really wants to help them recover.

They while they might feel helpless, you have got their back!

Very special people understand that reactivity is a coping strategy.

Very special people work day after day to help their dogs feel safe and heard.

Special souls don't give up on dogs with reactivity, don't expect it to be trained out in no time, don't blame the dog and don't give in.

Whether your friend is scared and shouty, shut down and silent or a mixture of both.

I thank you for being their friend.

You're doing something magnificent.

You are amazing!

Santa let me in on some of the most popular items on our dog’s wish lists!

🎄 Some dogs love certain bedrooms, the basement or their kennels. Others may do best at a trusted pet sitter’s house. If you notice your dog feeling overwhelmed or getting overaroused, bring them to their safe space for a break.

🎄Distant relatives may be well known to us, but our dogs view them as strangers. Are there kids that have grown over the year and are now more interested in the family pets, crawling or newly walking? Are there new people in our family’s life that our dogs are uncomfortable with? It’s ok to ask people to ignore your dog or keep them close to you.

🎄 Dog’s ‘begging’ can be seen as a problem behaviour during mealtimes. Give your dog a stuffed enrichment toy or chew on their bed during mealtime to keep them
involved but distanced.

🎄Many holiday themed dog toys and treats are cheap and mass produced, reducing the quality and increasing the toxic materials used to make them. Avoid cheap plastic, rope toys and treats with long ingredient lists.
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