Kerry's Friendly Dog walking service

21/11/2025

😆

21/11/2025

Thankful for the little things that remind me I'm loved — the pawprints on my floor, the noseprints on my windows, the fur on my clothes, and the sweet dog who makes every day better.

20/11/2025

Interesting

It's not all fear.
It can certainly look like it is though.
The lunges.
The barking.
That "immediate" change you are now witnessing, it's easy to assume it's from a dog that is scared, because it "feels" fearful to us.

What else do you feel is happening?

Is this a true attempt to get closer?
This one can be difficult to read.
Some dogs move towards a trigger because it's a strategy they have learned to make the trigger move away.
It's not because they are frustrated and want to meet a new friend.
That "wanting to meet" action can be an attempt to make the trigger back off by their dogs barks and lunges.
They are trying desperately to create distance, not to have a play with their new buddy.

Then there are reactive dogs that are desperate to reach that dog they see because they want to decrease the distance.
Many times these dogs were encouraged to meet all other dogs when they were out walking.
Then they started to pull towards another dog to meet them.
Now they can't stop pulling towards them and spill over into frustration or over arousal (many times both).

Important to note with all of these, no matter what type you are working with, get a thorough veterinary check up including looking seriously at pain.
Pain is a driving force behind reactivity.
If it's not considered or looked into and it is a real and underlying reality for your dog, your progress may be very, very slow or even non existent.

I know reactivity can feel daunting.
It feels uncontrollable at times.
But if you want to make real change with your reactive dog, the much bigger picture needs to be looked at.

20/11/2025

Dogs are the most amusing companions.
They respond to your sense of humour and
love nothing more than spending time
walking, exploring and being next to
their human soul mate.
Wherever you go, they're coming too.
Whoever you love, they'll love them too.

They want to be your body guard, your
therapist and your confidante,
all rolled into one!
You'll find you have acquired an extra shadow,
and they will spend your absence,
patiently waiting for your return.
Their capacity for unconditional love
enables them to share our lives’ highs and lows.

Each has their own unique personality,
but always tries their best to adapt to our lifestyle
and needs.
Once you've clicked with your canine companion
you will never look back.
Their sloppy licks and doggy hugs will
become a constant source of reassurance,
that you will never be lonely,
While they are around ..

🖋️C.E. Coombes
🎨 Bavaro Art

Serendipity Corner 🐶

20/11/2025

A good ole wrestle?
The quick "fly by" and catch me if you can?
How they play and interact with another dog is great information✅

They're likely giving you clarity in who they prefer and this can help you slowly introduce others that your dog has already "pre vetted" simply by their play style choices.

Good body language signals are so much easier to read when a dog has the same play style as another dog, and that's easier for you too.
Assessing just what is actually happening is easier when you already know your own dogs proclivities, and respect them.

What can get some dogs into difficulty is when there is a clear "mis match".
Sometimes that comes from us wanting or wishing they played with more energy, or even less.

They are who they are.
They can (or may) change their play styles but that often comes with more trust in the other dog.
It doesn't come from us desperately wanting them to "have more fun".

Dogs don't even have to interact much at all to enjoy each others company.
They can just "be".
They may have a good sniff session together or parallel "play" where they are at a distance and don't mingle or touch.

That's still social interaction.

20/11/2025

Freezing cold day but a lovely one too