My Internal Monologue as a Reactive Dog Owner

Being a reactive dog owner can be exhausting. You start asking yourself: "What did I do wrong? How did my dog get here?"

I took my dog to off-leash parks in Calgary and thought she was having fun. But then there were incidents—like when that lab lifted my dog's back end to sniff her, and things went downhill. I didn’t realize then that these were signs of discomfort. Now I know more about dog body language, and I’ve learned that my dog was trying to tell me she was stressed. She was licking her lips, freezing, and giving other signs that I missed.

The lunging, barking, and growling started soon after, and I was overwhelmed. I even tried a “whisperer” technique where I poked my dog’s neck and said “shh”—but that just made things worse. It didn’t reduce her reactivity; in fact, it made her fearful of me.

I finally found methods that work. I’ve learned to keep her at a distance from unknown dogs, give her treats when we encounter other dogs, and ensure she feels safe. Now, in YYC, we can enjoy events and outings without fear of reactivity. She even engages in normal dog behaviors without stress, knowing I have her back.

Feeling stuck with your reactive dog? At Partner in Paws, we specialize in helping reactive dogs and their owners feel more confident and in control. Whether it’s understanding your dog’s body language or finding safe, positive ways to socialize in Calgary, we’ve got you covered. Contact us today to start your journey towards a happier, more relaxed life with your dog.