Being face with the same scenarios repeatedly (off leash dogs in on-leash areas, "don't worry he's friendly", and the dirty looks or snide remarks when you ask them to leash their dogs), leave us frustrated and angry. Over time we grow increasingly tired of the same barriers and obstacles that we face while trying to help our dogs with their reactivity, we may find ourselves growing quite reactive ourselves... Or maybe it's just me.
The question is, am I more reactive than my dog? There have been situations that Rey has actually been impressively calm and handled it beautifully meanwhile I'm in full rage mode and it takes me a few moments, hours, a rant and glass of wine later for my hackles to come down.
When you are frustrated, fearful or just anxious, it's okay to have a reaction (just likes it okay if our dogs react - we just have to help them). So I also had to work on my own reactivity in order to better help my dog! To be calm in situations where she needed me to guide her.
I'm sure many can relate to the many scenarios I describe in this episodes as these encounters are FAR too common.
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Email: spicydogmama@gmail.com
Blog: www.reesesnpieces.com/blog
I am not a dog trainer. I'm an uneducated, untrained and unqualified dog mama over here learnig from my own mistakes, the amazing people around me and the dogs in front of me.
I'm sharing my own experiences and my own opinions.
Always consult (and research) a professional trainer to help you with your dog.
With love,
Cass & Rey
