We had a bad walk day. I'm disappointed in myself. Tibby is reactive. It's pretty decided now and I can't pretend that it's not really a problem. I have been trying to manage it for a long time - since I brought her home at 4 months old. Now she's 2 and it's only getting worse. I've been doing some reading and I guess what I have been doing is not all wrong, but I just need to be more prepared. And honestly say - this is a problem and it needs to be managed better.
Today she had level 8 reactions to - A boy in a hooded sweatshirt who rode up on his bike behind us and an old man that started following us. She had smaller (quiet) reactions to a boy on a scooter, a plastic ball in the street and 2 small dogs crossing the street 3 blocks away.
Right now when I see something that is a potential reaction trigger (like a bike, rollerblader, stroller, scooter, men walking alone) I have her sit and we wait for them to pass by us. I should start carrying treats again....
I do wonder what is wrong with some people - if you saw a dog that was growling, barking, lunging and snapping at you, would you A) ride your scooter as close as possible to the dog? OR B) Stop to ask why the doggie doesn't like you?
Ok, I'm mean and bad, but I when people see me keeping Tibby of off the sidewalk and waiting for them to pass and they don't give us any space - I sometimes think about letting her go. Hmmm....yeah it's wrong, but I'll bet they would stay away next time. I also wonder what would Tibby actually do? No we won't ever find out.
I crazy thing is that I think people see a cute fluffy dog and don't realize that she (if you are on a bike, rollerblades, scooter or male) wants to rip you up. Then they get closer and she lets them know.
The old man walking behind us - I was glad she told him off. And that's part of the problem. My problem. She's alerted me to a lot of creepy people on our walks before. Or the weird neighbor man that peeks over my fence. Weirdo. And I like that she tells me about those creepers. But I don't want her to be known as the mean dog on the block any more.
So now you know.
Our secret.
