Episode Summary
When Poppy first started reacting on walks I didn’t understand why. She would bark, lunge and pull towards other dogs, traffic and passers-by and it often took me by surprise. I remember feeling a mixture of annoyance, confusion, embarrassment, concern and frustration at why dog walks were so stressful. Walks quickly turned from calm to chaos and I needed to get to the bottom of why Poppy was behaving like this.
Once I started to understand more about why Poppy was overreacting to things it all began to make more sense. This meant I was able to implement strategies and make changes to help Poppy feel comfortable and calm so we were able to enjoy walks again! It’s by no means been an easy journey but for me, the key to successful rehabilitation of reactive dogs is understanding the individual dog.
So in this episode, I chat about my journey with Poppy and her reactive behaviour. I also chatted about a recent holiday I enjoyed with my dogs. During the holiday my very sociable dog Ivy showed reactive behaviour towards other dogs on our long walks. So, I discuss why this was, what it meant and how I helped support Ivy.
Where To Get Help and Support
Owning a dog which shows reactive behaviour on walks can be a challenge! You can experience so many different emotions on just one dog walk. But, the stress, worry and frustrations can soon turn to understanding, pride in progress and confidence in advocating for your dog and their individual experience. You’ve just got to be prepared to embrace the journey!
To help you along the way, there are wonderful Clinical Animal Behaviourists who can help you and your dog to achieve long-term success and say goodbye to stressful dog walks!
Explore my blog about the common reasons behind reactive dog behaviour and listen to the episode below:
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We all dream of that perfect journey when we first welcome a new pet, but animal ownership and companionship aren’t always perfect; it’s a journey of ups and downs. From those unforgettable moments of laughter to when we and our animals need a helping hand.
I’m Lauren, a clinical animal behaviourist, and Fur Real Conversations explores the realities of pet and animal ownership, one paw at a time!
I’ll share experiences, valuable expert tips, and candid conversations that inspire, empathise with and motivate you to lead the best life possible with your pet.
Creating a harmonious home with cats and dogs is often considered a challenge, but seasoned cat and dog behaviourist Lisa is familiar with the process.
In this episode, Lisa shares her expert guidance and essential strategies for introducing these furry friends while reducing anxiety and stress for both pets.
Together, Lisa and I walk you through the crucial steps of pre-introduction scent swapping to the importance of observing initial interactions and practical solutions for everyday challenges, such as dogs chasing cats and the environmental stressors that affect feline behaviour.
Whether you’re a new pet owner or looking to improve your multi-pet household, Lisa’s insights offer actionable support to create a safe and loving environment for all.
Fur Real Conversations is produced and managed by Urban Podcasts.
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