Caregiver burden update
Further to my previous post on caregiver burden, which referenced the ZBI Adapted for Pet Owners questionnaire, I've been able to find and complete the actual questionnaire.
Navigating life with a fearful, anxious, and reactive dog.
Sharing our challenges, small wins and lessons learned along the way.
Unicorn homes
Unicorn homes are often talked about in reactive dog support and rehoming groups.
Back on our own again
Following the road trip, we had another week before my parents’ departure.
Lessons Learned From Sensitive Dogs - Deb Bauer
Another excellent session from Marilyn Mele’s 2025 Love in Action conference focused on lessons learned from sensitive dogs, shared by Deb Bauer.
Beaches, barks, and black labs in the sky - a reactive dog road trip
After a few days of George getting used to my parents again, and the whirlwind of Christmas, it was time for our road trip.
Noise phobia
Another webinar from a previous Love in Action Summit hosted by Marilyn Mele was ‘Noise Phobias in Dogs’ with Else Verbeek from Amazing Animal Minds.
Visitors, friends, a baby, and a ham sandwich - Christmas 2025
As usual, it was a whirlwind leading up to Christmas.
Why is George so much worse with me?
I find this difficult.
A vet worth their weight in gold
It has made such a difference to our lives finding an amazing vet.
2025 reflections
As we approach the end of the year, it’s natural to get a bit reflective.
Swims, snuggles, and snorts
George has been great company this week. He's made me laugh a lot and has been extra snuggly.
Yellow dogs and the power of space
The wonderful Marilyn Mele hosted another free online conference for caregivers of sensitive dogs in November 2025.
About us
Welcome to George The Spicy Dog!
Meet George, a young cavoodle navigating life with generalised anxiety disorder, social anxiety, separation distress and noise anxiety.
Life with a reactive dog is challenging, unpredictable, and sometimes isolating - but also full of small victories worth celebrating.
I started this blog to share our journey - the ups, the downs, and everything in between. It's a lonely road at times and I have greatly appreciated the support from those (often strangers!) navigating similar challenges. I have found the personal stories incredibly helpful and relatable.
I'm not a dog trainer or an expert, just a fellow spicy (reactive) dog owner figuring things out as we go.
If you have any questions, feedback, or want to share your thoughts, I'd love to hear from you: georgethespicydog@gmail.com