I went without my dog, for obvious reasons.
I saw 7 or 8 dogs while I was there. All were either going nuts or visibly very uncomfortable. Only one was truly relaxed and happy. A true unicorn pup.
It made me realize that most dogs are, in fact, reactive under enough stress. For any number of reasons, ours are just more sensitive. They reach their thresholds quicker. That’s literally all there is to it. And although we have a hard burden, we are so lucky to be learning from our reactive babies.
I’ve only been a solo dog owner for five months, so I don’t want to sound holier than thou, but this little shopping trip made me realize that my reactive girl has taught me SO MUCH about being a good dog mama. Most of the owners I saw today seemed totally unaware of their dogs’ body language.
A few had no choice but to be aware, because their dog was flipping the fuck out. These owners probably don’t have to deal with this kind of thing very often, and they clearly had no idea how to handle it. Among these people, I saw sharp corrections. I saw prong collars. I saw leash pops. I even saw a dog getting slapped in the face with a piece of paper. I wanted to do some slapping of my own.
These dogs were all doing their best, and truthfully so were the owners. Five months ago, I had “done a ton of research” before adopting my dog, but I had no idea that C——r M—-n was so full of shit. I listened to the suggestion of a prong collar when my adoption coach suggested it. (Never bought one, but considered it uncritically.)
On the frustrating days, just remember what a great, challenging teacher your reactive dog is. S/he won’t be your last dog, I would imagine. Just think of all you are learning. Think of what an amazing dog parent you’ll be for the rest of your life.
And what a good neighbor you’ll be to other dogs. You’ll never approach a new dog in an overwhelming, intimidating way, assuming all dogs are big lovey mush balls with no personal boundaries. You’ll never be that “oh it’s ok, he’s friendly!” Asshole (no explanation needed.) You’ll never be that judgmental turd that makes someone go home and cry because of the unkind thing you said while they were struggling and doing their best.
I’m giving my girl so many extra loves tonight. She is the best teacher I’ve ever had.
I saw 7 or 8 dogs while I was there. All were either going nuts or visibly very uncomfortable. Only one was truly relaxed and happy. A true unicorn pup.
It made me realize that most dogs are, in fact, reactive under enough stress. For any number of reasons, ours are just more sensitive. They reach their thresholds quicker. That’s literally all there is to it. And although we have a hard burden, we are so lucky to be learning from our reactive babies.
I’ve only been a solo dog owner for five months, so I don’t want to sound holier than thou, but this little shopping trip made me realize that my reactive girl has taught me SO MUCH about being a good dog mama. Most of the owners I saw today seemed totally unaware of their dogs’ body language.
A few had no choice but to be aware, because their dog was flipping the fuck out. These owners probably don’t have to deal with this kind of thing very often, and they clearly had no idea how to handle it. Among these people, I saw sharp corrections. I saw prong collars. I saw leash pops. I even saw a dog getting slapped in the face with a piece of paper. I wanted to do some slapping of my own.
These dogs were all doing their best, and truthfully so were the owners. Five months ago, I had “done a ton of research” before adopting my dog, but I had no idea that C——r M—-n was so full of shit. I listened to the suggestion of a prong collar when my adoption coach suggested it. (Never bought one, but considered it uncritically.)
On the frustrating days, just remember what a great, challenging teacher your reactive dog is. S/he won’t be your last dog, I would imagine. Just think of all you are learning. Think of what an amazing dog parent you’ll be for the rest of your life.
And what a good neighbor you’ll be to other dogs. You’ll never approach a new dog in an overwhelming, intimidating way, assuming all dogs are big lovey mush balls with no personal boundaries. You’ll never be that “oh it’s ok, he’s friendly!” Asshole (no explanation needed.) You’ll never be that judgmental turd that makes someone go home and cry because of the unkind thing you said while they were struggling and doing their best.
I’m giving my girl so many extra loves tonight. She is the best teacher I’ve ever had.
