The Little Bear Dog Blog

Annie snoozing after her walk

I’ve said it before, but having a reactive dog can be pretty exhausting. What should be a leisurely stroll around the block before bed is a choreographed expedition with enough equipment to get you to the pole and back. If you think breaking a finger nail causes women to freak, try hiding my clicker or treat bag; it’s not pretty.

So locked and loaded, Annie and I set off for our evening walk. There are a couple of known hot spots on our route. There are the Jack Russells at the end of the street who bark like crazy from the window as we pass and then ‘cat corner’ where, despite only ever seeing a cat there once in a blue moon, never fails to send her into a fit of the bouncys.

Safely past, we’d just stopped at the kerb when the neighbourhood cutie, a strawberry roan cocker spaniel appeared with his owners from around the corner.  There are some days when I’m ready for anything, but having run around an agility field for an hour in the sun and then working late on an inbox that would just not empty, today just wasn’t one of them.  But that was my problem, not Annie’s, so we turned on our heel and quietly walked the other way until we could duck into a wider bit of the road and allow them to pass.

As I distracted her with ‘watch me’ and treats, the couple smiled and waved. This is always an awkward moment. Do you focus on your dog and risk looking rude? Or attempt a conversation only to have it drowned out by the barking you were working so hard to avoid?

My mouth seemed to decide for me and said ‘She’s a reactive rescue in rehab.’  Wow, get me, dog training and alliteration all in one, you’d never guess that I don’t get out much?! I winced at my unintended cheesiness and was mid-way through a mental note to just focus on the dog next time when I heard them say ‘We often see you or your partner pass with her and she’s so much better now. You’re doing such a great job with her.’  I nearly exploded with pride, especially because Annie was still sitting and wagging in full sight of the strawberry cutie.

I don’t know their names, or even their dogs’ name, but I wonder if they realise that they made my day. Annie and I celebrated with some dog biscuits (I let her eat my share) and a big cuddle. She beamed and wagged and just for good measure, ignored a Terrier on the way home too.