01/06/2025
What Other People Think?
Ok, folks…. Many, many of you here and many hundreds of others I have helped over the years have reported to me that they have become anxious, angry or upset by members of the public who make negative remarks about their dog’s behaviour, appearance or the fact that they are wearing a muzzle.
All of the above are ‘emotions’ and it is important to remember that our dogs are highly tuned EXPERTS at reading us.
Dogs live ‘in the moment’ and very much feel our changing energies, so
I have taken time to put this together for anyone who may benefit.
Understanding Stress, Muzzles, and the Power of Your Response
For many people, (especially those living with anxious or reactive dogs), everyday walks can feel like walking through a minefield of judgment.
You might be doing everything right — calmly managing your dog, using the right equipment (including a muzzle, if necessary), and working hard on behaviour — only to hear an offhand comment from a passer-by:
“That dog must be dangerous.”
“Poor thing, can’t even sniff properly.”
“Why would you put a muzzle on a dog?”
“You shouldn’t have that thing out in public” ( I’ve heard them all!)
These remarks, though often rooted in ignorance rather than malice, can feel like a punch to the gut — especially when you’re already doing your best to keep your dog safe, calm, and under control.
As a military Veteran and a Police Fi****ms officer, I’ve had the benefit of intense training in keeping my head in the right place when there’s s**t happening all around you.
But here’s something important to remember:
Stress doesn’t come from events — it comes from our response to those events.
This is true for both dogs and humans.
Your Dog Feels What You Feel
Dogs are highly attuned to human energy, body language, and emotion. If you’re tense, your dog senses it. If your breathing changes, your dog notices. And when you feel anxious about how others perceive your dog, your dog is likely to feel anxious too — not because of the muzzle or the environment, but because you’re not okay.
This isn’t about blame. It’s about awareness — and from awareness comes choice.
External Events vs. Internal Responses
You can’t control what strangers say. You can’t control whether people understand muzzles.
But you can control how you respond.
Ask yourself:
• What does my dog need from me in this moment?
• Am I focused on keeping my dog safe and supported, or am I caught up in what others might think?
• Can I reframe this situation as a win — my dog is out, experiencing the world, and being kept safe with thoughtful training and management?
Stress arises when we internalise events and make them personal. But a comment from a stranger isn’t about you, and it’s certainly not about your dog’s worth. More likely they have had a bad day, or are negative people in their own lives.
Muzzles Are a Responsible Choice
Let’s be clear: a dog wearing a muzzle isn’t a “bad dog.” A muzzle is simply a tool — a safety measure that allows dogs to participate in life while keeping everyone safe. It can be an act of love, caution, and responsibility. You wouldn’t judge a seatbelt or a child’s bike helmet, so why judge a muzzle?
Reframing the narrative around muzzles helps reduce stigma and stress for everyone.
How to Shift Your Response
1. Breathe before you react. A few deep breaths can help ground you and stop anxiety from sn*******ng.
2. Remind yourself of your “why.” You’re doing what’s right for your dog. That’s what matters.
3. Create a mantra. Something simple like, “I am calm. My dog is safe. We are okay. (And this stranger means nothing to me).
4. Practice non-engagement. You don’t need to defend yourself to strangers. Silence or a polite smile is enough.
5. Celebrate progress. Every walk you take, every trigger managed, every positive experience — it all counts.
You Are Your Dog’s Safe Place
When you show up for your dog with calm, steady leadership, you create a secure base from which they can explore the world. That’s the energy they need from you — not perfection, not fear, not shame. Just calm, clear, confident presence.
Let others think what they will. You and your dog are on a journey, and the people who matter will understand.
So don’t burn energy on those who don’t understand….. or matter!
Let me know if this helps?
Best wishes
Allan 🐕😊