03/05/2025
Let's talk about realistic expectations. I get a lot of calls regarding dog aggression, leash reactivity and so on. I also hear ALOT of "wants" from owners and these dogs. Wants that are not realistic for most dogs in this situation.
True dog/human aggression can not be fixed it's a management life style. I know, I live it daily with my female Malinois, B. Now, early on I fell into the "oh she will learn to like other dogs or at least the ones she lives with". Nope. I've had her 3.5yrs now and she still has no desire to be around her own house mates.
The past 1.5yrs has been a great set up for my lifestyle. I've had a kennel separated from my house. So B lives there and my other dogs have lived at home. She works with me pretty much daily and she's happy living upstairs in her own apartment, lol.
Now, our lives are about to change drastically in the upcoming months as we prepare to move. Not only a new house but a new state. So I have to think and plan ahead to make this move as smooth as possible for the dogs. B especially. I now have to make sure she can coexist with the other 2 because we are all going to be under the same roof again and in a smaller home.
This is where I have to be very realistic in my expectations. B will never "like" the other dogs, she will never want to play with them, she will never seek them out to be nice. But she can learn to behave and mind her manners in my presence around them. She will never be alone with them. She will always have her muzzle on and be under control around them. We will go back to having safety measures in the house to prevent fights.
Is this an easy life? F**k, no. But I chose to keep her so this IS life with her. This is what people need to understand. You have to be clear on your expectations and if you want to live this lifestyle. You have to be prepared to change your vision for you and your dog.
You CAN still enjoy these dogs. You CAN still have fun and go out. It will just look a little different. Don't give up on them, give up on your "perfect idea of them".
Pictures are of B and Hobbs learning to walk together. First step to integration.
To love a dog is to train a dog.