My reactive dog deserves a place in this world too.
My beautiful boy, Kaslo, started to display dog reactivity when he was 18-months of age. He has made amazing strides through our training and can navigate the world, and dogs in it, with ease (in most situations.) However, he still dislikes being approached, sniffed by, or interacting with other dogs. So, this is something that we do not ask him to do.
One of the most challenging aspects of being a reactive dog guardian are the limitations placed on my dog by society.
The idea that my dog doesn’t deserve freedom and the safety to be a dog, go on walks, or sniff the grass, simply because he is not like somebody else’s dog.
Because his comfort zone is bigger, or looks differently.
Because he has specific boundaries; ones that are different than another dog’s.
I have yet to understand how someone can honestly believe that my dog doesn’t belong, simply because he doesn’t fit into this impossible mold of a “perfect dog.”
I can do everything right - the training, the management, the safety layers, seek out on-leash areas where my dog should be safe to enjoy.
I don’t let my reactive dog run around off-leash (this would be irresponsible and unsafe to do so.) I’m not walking in close proximity to other dogs or people, which could put everyone in a precarious situation.
I do my best to seek out areas where he has enough space and is comfortable (not barking and lunging). This means that we miss out on a lot of fun hikes, beautiful trails, and exciting pet store shopping trips. That’s OK; we have adjusted his world to ensure he, and others, are safe in it.
Yet I am still hit with a brick wall of judgement, and a bitter lack of acceptance.
“If your dog doesn’t like other dogs sniffing him, you should leave him at home.”
”Your dog is aggressive, you should try training him.”
”Your dog shouldn’t be allowed out of the house.”
These accusations cut me to the core. My dog is a good dog. He may be flawed, he may not be ‘perfect’ in your eyes, but neither am I.
I’m willing to be you aren’t either.
Someone’s flaws don’t make them any less deserving of a happy, enriched, and quality life.
You don’t understand my dog’s boundaries?
That’s ok; you can still attempt to respect them.
You don’t understand why he needs space?
I get it; I didn’t understand either, at first. But you can still grant him that space, without fully appreciating the need for it,
My dog is reactive, he’s not damaged.
He deserves to live his life, and feel safe to do so.
Stay awesome.
Vanessa
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Vanessa Charbonneau, is the author of Dog Care for Puppies: A guide to Feeding, Playing, Grooming and Behavior. She owns Sit Pretty Behavior & Training, employing force-free training techniques, and specializing in working with fearful, aggressive, and reactive dogs. Charbonneau lives in Prince George, BC with her husband, two daughters, and one dog.