My Dog is a Good Dog, I Swear
My dogs are not perfect. I mean, I think they are, but they have a behavior that is it socially acceptable in the human world – barking at dogs.
I have a neighbor with two perfect dogs. They are cool, calm, collected, and friendly. I don’t get embarrassed easily, but when I walk by this guy and his dogs, I feel anxious and sometimes defeated. I wish I could just yell out and tell them that my dogs are good dogs and that I am a good owner.
Here are a few things that I think most reactive dog owners wish you knew –
This is a fear response. My dog is in fight or flight mode. They don’t have the option for flight because they are attached to the leash. They are thinking, if I make myself look big and scary, the scary thing will stay away.
My dog is not trying to dominate me or you or your dog or anything else.
My dog is a good dog. They are smart, sweet, and loving. They are not a monster.
This isn’t easy. I wish my dog didn’t act like this, but we are trying. Really trying!
We are having a bad day. This is the first outburst that we have had in 3 weeks. I hope this doesn’t set us back.
If it looks like we are trying to avoid you, we are. Thank you in advance for giving us space. We appreciate it more than you know. On the other hand, please don’t let your off-leash dog approach us when you’re 100 feet away, while shouting they are friendly. My dog is stressed to the max and now I am too.
I want my dog to feel better around scary things. This takes time and patience. Yes, I could use punishment to suppress the behavior, but I am choosing not to. Many reactive dog owners should be awarded an honorary degree in animal behavior.
This could be you. Yes, your perfect dog could end up like this. I hope they don’t. I would not wish this on anyone. Dogs can be come reactive after an overwhelming experience such as an attack or a traumatic event.
I am a great dog owner. I am proud of my dog and how far they have come.
I am committed to this dog and I will not give up.
What do you think? Are we missing anything?
