I am pretty introverted. I tend to move through the world fairly quietly without drawing too much attention to myself. So when I find myself with a very loud, very attention-grabbing dog, it takes some adjustment.
When George first started displaying reactivity, I really struggled with the embarrassment. The barking and lunging. Not being able to chat to the neighbours because I have to get him out of there. The frustration that he's not behaving like a "normal" dog.
I appreciate that it's a whole lot easier for me with a small, fluffy dog. It can be the exact same behaviour but we get a lot more acceptance than larger dog breeds.
On the down side, people tend to keep approaching - I'm not sure they would do that if George were a larger dog. But I appreciate that small dog owners don't get the same 'dangerous' dog stigma.
Over time, and trying to take the advice of family and friends, I am trying to give less of a sh*t. Random people that we encounter on our walks or judgy people at daycare drop-off are not part of our lives - we don't know them and it's not important what they think.
The neighbours are a bit more tricky. It does matter what they think - I don't want to make their lives difficult and want to remain on positive terms.
When George first started barking excessively, I delivered a box of chocolates and an explanatory note to each of my neighbours. I am lucky with my neighbours.
I try to minimise interactions (and therefore reactions) and so far, they seem to be understanding. I have explained that George is struggling with anxiety and we are working with professionals. Luckily, the nighttime barking seems to have abated so that will help
!
On the whole, although I have my moments, my focus is on George and his safety rather than what other people think.
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