Whenever Ben had an 'incident' with another dog, I used to feel so disheartened afterwards and like all the work I have put in has gone down the pan. Therefore perhaps the title should be 'One step forward....TWO steps back' which is the correct saying! But it's not because as long as the majority of his encounters with other dogs are positive then I know he is on the right track. Before, we could not go a few days without a reaction to another dog, now its more weeks and even months. I have totally accepted that there will be occasions where he will react in a situation completely out of my control.
A few weeks back now, a dog off lead approached him when he was on lead. I knew Ben would not be happy as he was on lead which makes him feel like he cannot get away should he need too. I called to the owner to ask her to put the dog on lead and she shouts "I wont be able to get him back now". So I said "my dog can by reactive with other dogs so you may want to grab your dog". Anyway the dog made it to Ben and Ben pinned the other dog to the ground with his body for a few seconds. The other dog was not hurt in anyway but for a spilt second I felt very frustrated but then I remembered all the progress we have made. I ended the walk at this point because I didn't want Ben to be all tense should I have carried on and we encountered further dogs.
I have therefore decided to order Ben a 'I need space' yellow vest from the yellow dog campaign website. I have done a blog post about this campaign previously. Hopefully this will limit the problems we can potentially have with off lead dogs.
I have really thought about buying one of those yellow vests for my girl Callie. While she is not reactive in the typical sense of the word, she does dislike it when dogs come up to her when she is on leash especially if they go to sniff her bum - she will try get away and when she can't or the dog pursues her then she raises a lip. Usually I can stop it getting to that point but there are just some people who won't come get their dog and I can't get away.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely feel your frustration with that.
Thanks for your comment Stephanie. I love to get blog comments :) I haven't ordered Ben a vest yet, I keep meaning to measure him! I think its a great idea my only concern is Ben getting to hot and he wasn't keen on this winter coat I bought him
ReplyDeleteYou could always look at getting a harness version, I've seen a few companies who make a light weight harness instead of a vest - means you wouldn't have to worry about him getting too hot. I know my girl isn't loving the summer heat we have here..
ReplyDeleteThe only downside for me with getting Callie a yellow vest is she isn't always nervous, some dogs she is absolutely amazing with, some dogs she isn't so it's really hit and miss. Definitely all about how they approach her.