Well hello folks! Laura here, back with another blog. For this one I want to share my experiences with you around being a reactive dog owner, the good the bad and the ugly.
This isn’t a short blog, so grab yourself a beverage and allow me to set the scene:
I adopted Chandler in 2019. Chandler originally came from Gran Canaria, and most of his history is unknown.
Chandler arrived into my home like a a Tasmanian devil. Not house trained, zero manners and energy levels that could rival the Energiser bunny.
I had taken a week off from work to help settle and integrate Chandler into our home…. Remember - Routine is key!
I couldn’t wait to start getting out and enjoying walks with him. The first few days we stuck to the same 30 minute route, although it just wasn’t cutting it. He needed a longer walk. So, off we set to explore the local walking area called “The Thrift”….miles of footpaths that interlink back to themselves.
I had Chandler on a double ended lead, harness and collar. My god he was strong and could pull like a tank.
We started to settle into our lovely picturesque walk. We passed many people who smiled and commented on his unique look. I’d been out of about 2 hours, and we were heading for home, all was going well until we came across an off lead dog.
“Please can you put your dog on a lead, mine is a rescue and I don’t know how he is with other dogs.” I politely asked whilst positioning Chandler behind me. I wanted him to feel safe and know that I had the situation under control (ha that’s laughable now as it was anything but looking back on it).
“He’s friendly” the lady shouted …insert facepalm (it boils my blood when I hear this)
The next 10 minutes felt like time stopped moving, both dogs latched on to each other. The other dog had its teeth caught on Chandlers collar, and Chandler was caught on the other dogs halti. I’ve never been so scared in my entire life.
I was trying to stay calm, the other woman was hysterical, screaming, hitting the dogs, hitting me! At this point I was on my knees desperately trying to stop these dogs from causing serious injury. There was blood, dirt and dog hair everywhere.
I managed to separate the dogs. I exchanged numbers with the hysterical woman who was rushing her dog to the vets because of the blood.
I dusted myself down and started the hour walk home. Turns out the blood was actually mine.
We got home, and in the typical English way, I made a cup of tea. I did my best to tend to Chandlers scrapes before I finally tended to my own wounds. Several puncture wounds to both hands which resulted to a trip to A&E.
That day when I got home, I cried.
I cried because my hands hurt.
I cried as I was totally overwhelmed.
I cried as I felt completely out of my depth.
I cried for Chandler.
What on earth was I going to do with a dog that wanted to kill anything with 4 legs?!
Do you know I did? I buckled myself in for the ride!
I didn’t give up.
Chandler was my dog and I was responsible for him. Warts and all.
I researched dog reactivity. I educated myself how to advocate for my dog and how to show him - It’s ok, I got this. You don’t need to act like this.
Chandler would go zero to nuclear, in the blink of an eye, as soon as he left the house he was on high alert. Almost panicked. He would pull so hard to walk as quickly as possible. Heaven forbid another dog eyeballed him.
I started training, at home in my garden, before applying those learned techniques on a walk.
I’m a huge advocate of the book: “When pigs fly” - read it. Learn about your dog. Learn how to communicate with them. Stick with it.
Unfortunately I wasn’t in a position to get a trainer. But I made things work.
I changed my walking route, started to learn what dogs walked at what time. I would get up at 5am to walk him so we could all have a peaceful walk.
6 years on, he’s so much better. Chandler’s reactivity is fear based. Animals have a fight or flight instinct. And when restrained by a lead, his only option (in his mind) is to make himself look as big and scary as he can be.
Reactive dogs are no different to other dogs; they deserve love, they deserve a home where their humans will help them and guide them. They deserve to feel safe. They deserve to have someone advocate for them.
Chandler is actually the most loving dog. He loves all humans. He loves all children. If any new people come into my home he will share his love and snuggles with them.
But if you’re 4 legged or feathered… forget it.
Yes, I’ve made sacrifices, but do you know what? I wouldn’t change a damn thing!
As I bring this anecdote of my time with Chandler to an end. I want to leave you with this thought:
Would you consider opening your home to a reactive dog?
Hello - thank you so much for your blog chandler sounds a carbon copy of my dog Bow. Because she was being used as a ‘bait dog’ in London she is terrified of other dogs. She also has other bully traits such as spinning and biting her tail when stressed. 3 circles , a bark and then a tail snap, bite. When I got her she had bitten off 3 tail digits. Ouch! That was 9 years ago when she was 8 months old.
But the most loving dog unless face by a dog off its lead running up to her /let alone 5 which happened recently. Fortunately I was able to muzzle her in time. Whilst the owner screamed…