Our pets have been right by our sides, experiencing the stress, emotional toll, and disruption to our everyday routines the COVID-19 pandemic unleashed upon us all. Many pet owners are now facing new challenges like separation anxiety, destructive behavior, fear, aggression, or reactivity towards other people and pets. Despite these everyday struggles, there’s hope for a bright future ahead. I want to share my journey in navigating my Dogo Argentino’s dog reactivity issues and provide insight on how you and your dog can begin walking down a path to overcome behavioral problems.
Life Before COVID-19:
Before COVID-19 flipped our world upside down, my dog Jezebel was right by my side, experiencing the bustling atmosphere of a California workplace and living life to the fullest. Greeting customers, hanging out with the employees, and playing with her canine work companions were part of Jezebel’s daily routine. Swimming in the ocean and making new friends at the dog beach were also things we regularly loved to do together.
Dog Behavioral Challenges During the Pandemic:
It’s been four years since then, but I remember walking out the door with Jezebel one day into what felt like a scene from a horror movie. Not a single soul was in sight. The roads were empty, and every storefront we passed was eerily quiet. From that day on, the days of going to work and playing at the dog beach were a thing of the past. For over a year, my time with Jezebel had become quite solitary, mostly spent indoors or on walks alone. I started noticing changes in Jezebel’s behavior as she struggled to cope with my increased stress levels and the disruption to our usual routines. It started with minor things like tearing up toilet paper rolls, rummaging through the garbage, and counter-surfing. Eventually, she began having accidents indoors, and as COVID restrictions eased, Jezebel’s most challenging behavior emerged: dog reactivity issues! She became unable to tolerate the presence of other dogs, reacting aggressively even at the sight of one passing by.
Navigating Jezebel’s Dog Reactivity Issues:
Our walks together started to feel more like navigating a complex video game than the simple and easygoing activity they used to be. I was constantly on the lookout for other dogs, trying to predict their next move and strategizing the best course of action to avoid potential conflicts. Even the slightest tension on Jezebel’s leash at the wrong moment would trigger a reaction, forcing me to level up my self-awareness to remain confident and relaxed despite my racing thoughts. I had to become an expert in reading Jezebel’s body language and discover ways to expand her comfort zone around other dogs without pushing her past her tolerance threshold. No matter how small or seemingly insignificant they are, every positive experience she has with another dog is still a monumental achievement for us.
As time progressed and our neighborhood started to come alive again, the number of people out and about with their dogs increased. While I could control my actions with Jezebel, I couldn’t always control the actions other dog owners took with their dogs. In the past, I never had to give much thought to what I’m about to say, but it’s pretty surprising to learn how many people assume your dog is friendly and will allow their dogs to walk right up to yours without asking first or making sure you’re even aware of their presence. For Jezebel, the best action is to quietly walk away without acknowledging the other dog or adding any energy to the situation. Sometimes, walking away isn’t an option, and no matter how awkward it feels, it’s essential to tell the other dog owner that Jezebel isn’t friendly and ask them to give us space.
Another awkward situation Jezebel and I encounter occasionally involves dealing with off-leash dogs and their owners. What do you do if an off-leash dog approaches you, and communicating that your dog isn’t friendly or asking the other owner to get their dog is not proving to be an effective resolution?
You and your dog’s mental health, physical safety, and the safety of others always come first, and you may have to push the boundaries of your comfort zone. Here are a few important human behaviors for you to engage in to keep you, your dog, and others safe:
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- Don’t hesitate to assert your space by commanding the other dog to go away or hold onto the dog until their owner can bring them under control.
- Remember to stay calm and collected; uncontrolled, frantic behavior adds energy to the situation and could trigger a dog fight.
- Avoid pulling your dog backward or running away; Adding panicked behavior, such as running away or tugging your dog all over the place, could trigger the other dog’s prey drive and lead to a potential dog fight.
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Overcoming Dog Reactivity Issues is Possible!
Dog fights, telling people that your dog isn’t friendly, and having to ask dog owners to control their dogs—you might feel overwhelmed right now, but don’t worry—most dog owners will understand your situation as long as you handle things with kindness and respect.
Consider my journey with Jezebel: I’m not the subject of or victim in a viral YouTube Karen video, and making healthy changes to our lifestyle, regular training, and consistent routines has paid off. Jezebel no longer engages in unwanted behaviors like counter-surfing, having accidents in the house, or destroying property. The most exciting part of this story is Jezebel’s remarkable progress in overcoming her reactivity towards other dogs. Her walks are enjoyable again, and she can interact with other dogs safely in a controlled setting. She’s even made a few new friends recently!
Jezebel’s behavioral adjustments didn’t come without commitment and frequent teachable moments. With time, patience, and dedication, you too can begin successfully navigating dog reactivity issues and help your pets overcome their behavioral challenges. Remember that setbacks are a part of the journey, but keep pushing forward because positive success is possible!
You Don’t Have to Take This Journey Alone:
Whether your pet’s behavior changed because of COVID isolation, as Jezebel’s did, or you have an anxious animal with separation anxiety or another stressful behavior, your household can achieve peace and calm!
A good pet sitter and dog walker can be worth their weight in gold, and The Pet Guardians are just that: experienced pet care professionals who can help enrich the lives of your pets and provide support as you navigate the complexities involved in managing your pet’s behavioral issues.
We are here to answer your questions and discuss how you and your pets can release the lingering stressors and negative consequences of the COVID era. We’re just a phone call away!
