My fearful dog - how I got into dog training

I always wanted a dog. I got my first dog, a Boxer, in 2008.

When she was 5 months old, Ginny was attacked by a large off lead dog that we met on an early morning walk. I didn’t realise dog on dog aggression was a thing, and as the dog got closer I asked her to sit next to me.

As she sat there, the dog jumped on her and she screamed out. Initially, I didn’t see the injury but then I saw she was bleeding from her ear.

She needed surgery to fix the damage.

That incident changed her life.

Once the wounds had healed, I was advised to get her to socialise with other dogs to prevent her from becoming fearful.

Some of these interactions went well, others were less good and little did I know at the time, I was setting her up for further problems.

She became worried about other dogs and this got worse over time. She would lie down at the sight of another dog and as they got closer, she would lunge to warn them to stay away.

We walked in quiet places in the dark in order to avoid other dogs. I kept her on the lead. It wasn’t the life I wanted for her, so I tried to get help.

I approached a number of trainers who either denied there was a problem or didn’t know how to help.

Ginny was a wonderful family dog and got on with dogs she knew but I couldn’t stop her from being worried about strange dogs we met on walks.

I was determined to educate myself about dog behaviour so that I could help other owners that might have similar struggles.

This is the reason why I do what I do.

I understand how it feels to be the owner of a reactive dog, I dreaded meeting other dogs because I felt embarrassed and I didn’t know what to do. I know now that my worry made the situation worse.  

If you have a dog with aggression towards other dogs, get in touch. I can help.