11/11/2024
Meet Snoopy,
She is a rescue mix breed who I have been walking since August.
Snoopy came to me to work on her leash manners and to help with her reactivity towards other dogs.
Like most dog owners, Snoopys parents thought they were doing the right thing by her by socialising her. And what better way to socialise your dog than by sending it to a daycare right?
Now Iām not here to bad mouth daycares, but I am here to say that, just like not all dog walkers are the same, not all daycares should be treated the same. And daycare might work for some dogs, but for a large majority of dogs, daycare does not work. And Snoopy finds herself in this category.
After a very bad experience at a daycare, Snoopy started becoming reactive towards other dogs when out on her walks.
But her parents did the right thing by reaching out and asking for help.
First I worked on Snoopys leash manners. She very very quickly learnt that pulling on the lead didnāt go very far with me. And being super smart she picked up great leash skills very quickly.
Our next step was to work on her reactivity. After a few sessions walking past other dogs and near them to keep her in her safe zone, I was able to introduce her to Lewis. And it was love at first sight.
I am so grateful for some of the amazing dogs I have, like Lewis. Without them helping me to bring out the confidence in other dogs like Snoopy, my job would be a lot harder!
Snoopy no longer pulls on lead, she is comfortable walking with me and three other dogs, and she is getting so much better at ignoring other dogs barking at us behind fences!
I am looking forward to continuing to work with Snoopy and help her get her confidence back to feel safe around other dogs.