Play dates

I had put a post on a local Facebook group for women asking if anyone was interested in joining us for dog walking adventures and connected with a few people. One person and their dog have stuck the distance for quite a while now.

My friend's dog is very easy-going although I think he would like George to play more! They are both so excited to see each other which is lovely to see. They share their toys beautifully and know each other well now.

My next door neighbour's dog (another lovely dog) was also a friend of George's and we did a couple of walks together. George seems more confident on walks with another dog he knows.

My neighbour's dog and George have had playdates at each other's houses and had a blast.

I withdrew when George's anxiety was at its highest and I felt I needed to keep his space his own. Whenever he heard the neighbour, he would be on high alert and running to the door, barking constantly. That's kind of normal until it goes on for hours.

We can't go for walks around the house anymore as George's reactivity is worse nearer the home so that also made neighbourly walks difficult!

We've been on a few group walks which was a great way to meet new people. George seemed to do well on these. He tended to react less and generally seems more confident if it is not just me and him.

The VB advised me that he might not be doing as well as I think. He might not be displaying reactive behaviours but he might be shutting down. On reflection, that did make sense. To err on the side of caution, we stopped these. I think he would struggle if we reintroduced them now.

The friend I made through the Facebook group has become a good friend. She is very understanding and accommodating of George's challenges.

We go for walks most weekends and sometimes in the week. It's great as George has a friend outside of daycare. Although after being so excited to see him, he ignores him for the rest of the walk! He is more confident though when we are in a little pack.

Recently a friend asked if I wanted to join a walk with a new dog. I debated it internally for a while. I knew I really wanted to go but I didn't know how George would cope. In the end, I decided to err on the side of caution: if I'm not sure, don't do it.

I'm really trying not to rush things and would hate for George to be put in a situation he is not ready for given the progress we have made.