the.sweet.life.of.five (2024)

16/01/2023

I was so so proud of Tuukka today.
All our other pups have met my coworkers pup, Tex and absolutely adore him. But every single time up until today we would have to leave Tuukka home because he’s reactive. And it breaks my heart. This time my friend said it was perfectly fine for him to come and we could try to introduce them (neutrally on leash and with Tuu’s muzzle on). We started off the hike as so and Tuukka did well. They sniffed each other, tuu let out a low growl to show Tex to respect his space and they walked away. Mid way through I took Tuu’s leash off (muzzle still on) and they were RUNNING AROUND TOGETHER. Not a single growl, no reactivity what so ever!! They were able to run around and co exist and actually enjoy each others company.

I can’t even explain how proud I am of him. Muzzle training has given him the freedom to be able to express his feelings in an appropriate manor. I do want to say, I wouldn’t allow this with just anyone and any dog, but with it being my friend and her dog, we both felt comfortable.

Muzzles for the win ✨

05/11/2022

✨Long post warning✨

Tuukka is my soul dog. I’ve had him since he was 8 weeks old. He was my first ever dog I got on my own. He is the sweetest boy to every human he meets, but unfortunately not dogs. He is dog reactive. For as long as I can remember he was like any other puppy… excited to be around all types and sizes of dogs, wanting to play and engage. Until one incident…and that’s all it took. He was attacked by a off leash dog who’s owner had zero control of him. We were pretty far away from where the dog was let out of the car and that dog bee lined it towards Tuukka. He was about 16 weeks at the time so he was still too little to fend for himself as another 80 pound dog was chasing him. Ultimately, the dog caught up to Tuukka as I tried to run and intervene. He had some puncture wounds to his face (the dogs tooth went through his lip), but nothing too too serious in terms of injuries. The real trauma was what happened after this incident. He became frightful and unwilling to be around other dogs as much as I tried. And me being a first time dog owner I thought “let me just avoid dogs all together until he’s ready, I’m sure it’ll get better in time”.

It’s been years since that incident happened (about 8). I’ve learned so much about reactivity and how many different ways it can look. Tuukka is only reactive when a dog approaches his space, otherwise he couldn’t care less. Reactivity can look different to everyone. I wanted Tuukka to be able to still live a fulfilling life being able to adventure so I began to muzzle train him. Muzzle training has given him confidence, so if or when a off leash dog approaches him he has the ability to warn them (with a growl) and not cause any damage to the other dog. Ever since training him with this tool he seems to be way less stressed in those environments and he’s able to still go on (most) adventures with the rest of the crew.

Reactivity is not anyones fault. Reactivity can look different to everyone. Never judge training styles and tools because you don’t agree with it. All dogs have their imperfections, but we love and continue training them anyway! 🤍

.jesse.and.tanner

the.sweet.life.of.five

16/01/2023

05/11/2022

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