I suspect there will be a Part 3 to this topic…
I posted previously about some things I wish I had done differently. There were a few things I missed off that list, and a few things I have realised since. So here is Part 2:
I wish I had:
- Changed vets earlier - we were registered with a vet who believed in the 'cry it out' method and that I needed to take a firmer hand. It took me too long to realise that we need a vet I can trust and be vulnerable with.
- Been more aware of George's feelings in different walk settings. George was clearly more timid and uneasy in trail/forest walks with narrow paths and unknown frights around the corner. From an early age, he was more at ease in wide open spaces like beaches. I had mistakenly thought that by taking the trail walk more regularly, it would help. For now, we only walk in places which are very open with no hidden surprises.
- Not tried to get George to wait/sit in the presence of triggers. This was quite early on but I thought it would be good training for him to sit while a dog walked past. For an anxious dog, that can be extremely difficult. Now, we keep moving and/or play touch and create as much distance as possible.
- Advocated for George more firmly. I am conflict-averse and politeness is drummed in to me (I'm also British which doesn't help!) but when he was struggling and people were not giving him space, I should have been more firm.
As an example, in the early days when he still went to cafes, he was struggling when another dog came in. A well-meaning lady came and stood over him repeatedly saying "what's wrong, what's wrong" and he barked and barked and barked.
So I learned:
1. He wasn't ready to be in a café.
2. I need to prepare for how I would handle a similar situation in future.
Another example, at daycare drop-off, we were trapped in a small space waiting for the staff member to collect George. A man and his dog were right up in our space despite the sign saying one-in, one-out. George was finding it really difficult (confined spaces are particularly challenging).
I apologised to the man who let out a huge sigh and rolled his eyes. I wish I had asked him to back off and give us space. I thought about that all day.
More Parts to follow I'm sure!
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