Our Journey
Year-End Reflections
Today didn’t start off great. I woke up late, and getting Lucky ready for our walk felt like a chore. Construction noise was already blasting outside, and to top it...
Year-End Reflections
Today didn’t start off great. I woke up late, and getting Lucky ready for our walk felt like a chore. Construction noise was already blasting outside, and to top it...
The world can seem like a dark place sometimes...
I was talking to my mom on the phone earlier today. She’s currently traveling in a less developed region of India and told me about a dog she saw on...
The world can seem like a dark place sometimes...
I was talking to my mom on the phone earlier today. She’s currently traveling in a less developed region of India and told me about a dog she saw on...
Can my dog make progress without medication in ...
Two weeks have passed since I started weaning Lucky off Fluoxetine. Here’s what I’ve noticed: she seemed slightly more nervous around guests last week, especially at first. She rarely chatters...
Can my dog make progress without medication in ...
Two weeks have passed since I started weaning Lucky off Fluoxetine. Here’s what I’ve noticed: she seemed slightly more nervous around guests last week, especially at first. She rarely chatters...
Life with a reactive dog is full of contradictions
How is it that I can feel so deeply bonded with my dog yet, at times, feel completely disconnected? How can I try to feel connected with my dog while...
Life with a reactive dog is full of contradictions
How is it that I can feel so deeply bonded with my dog yet, at times, feel completely disconnected? How can I try to feel connected with my dog while...
Our weekend getaway…
It was one of the most relaxing yet also terrifying weekends I’ve ever had. I’d been wanting to take a solo trip with Lucky for a while—both to let her...
Our weekend getaway…
It was one of the most relaxing yet also terrifying weekends I’ve ever had. I’d been wanting to take a solo trip with Lucky for a while—both to let her...
My mood depends on my dog's reactivity
Some walks can be SO STRESSFUL, while others brighten your entire day.
My mood depends on my dog's reactivity
Some walks can be SO STRESSFUL, while others brighten your entire day.
I HATE summer evening walks with my highly anxi...
As soon as she pees right outside the building, she tries to pull me back inside. I then have to coax her to go further to a grassy area.
I HATE summer evening walks with my highly anxi...
As soon as she pees right outside the building, she tries to pull me back inside. I then have to coax her to go further to a grassy area.
It's our Gotcha Day!
Two years ago today, I signed the adoption papers for Lucky. It’s hard to believe...
It's our Gotcha Day!
Two years ago today, I signed the adoption papers for Lucky. It’s hard to believe...
An Encounter on Our Walk - A dog with epilepsy ...
This morning, Lucky and I were heading home from our walk when we saw a dog tied to a tree in an empty field, barking anxiously...
An Encounter on Our Walk - A dog with epilepsy ...
This morning, Lucky and I were heading home from our walk when we saw a dog tied to a tree in an empty field, barking anxiously...
Consequences of training mistakes with a highly...
When you have an anxious and reactive dog, mistakes can have larger consequences. Scary noises or off-leash dogs can set progress back weeks.
Consequences of training mistakes with a highly...
When you have an anxious and reactive dog, mistakes can have larger consequences. Scary noises or off-leash dogs can set progress back weeks.
Dealing with Separation Anxiety
Lucky used to bark nonstop when left alone. Even food couldn’t distract her. Addressing her separation anxiety was a long journey.
Dealing with Separation Anxiety
Lucky used to bark nonstop when left alone. Even food couldn’t distract her. Addressing her separation anxiety was a long journey.
My dog behaves better without me, does that mak...
I often receive praise for being patient and loving with Lucky, but deep down, I constantly question myself. Maybe I’m not...
My dog behaves better without me, does that mak...
I often receive praise for being patient and loving with Lucky, but deep down, I constantly question myself. Maybe I’m not...
Facing Judgements as an Anxious and Reactive Do...
Being judged has become quite normal as a reactive dog owner. I’ve faced all sorts of looks and comments over the years...
Facing Judgements as an Anxious and Reactive Do...
Being judged has become quite normal as a reactive dog owner. I’ve faced all sorts of looks and comments over the years...
Medication Update for My Anxious and Reactive D...
Lucky’s 10-month antidepressant (Fluoxetine) update: exploring dosage increase vs. natural supplements.
Medication Update for My Anxious and Reactive D...
Lucky’s 10-month antidepressant (Fluoxetine) update: exploring dosage increase vs. natural supplements.
Just because your dog is still reactive doesn’t...
Struggling with progress? Here's why patience and understanding matter.
Just because your dog is still reactive doesn’t...
Struggling with progress? Here's why patience and understanding matter.
Admitting my imperfections in training my anxio...
Let’s face it, trying to do the right things all the time with our anxious and reactive dogs is both impossible and exhausting. It’s tiresome constantly correcting their “bad behaviors.”
Admitting my imperfections in training my anxio...
Let’s face it, trying to do the right things all the time with our anxious and reactive dogs is both impossible and exhausting. It’s tiresome constantly correcting their “bad behaviors.”
Medication Update for My Anxious and Reactive D...
Lucky started her 9th pack of her antidepressant (Fluoxetine) yesterday, marking 9 months on medication. Though she’s less terrified and more playful, I’m considering increasing her dosage from 20mg. I’ll...
Medication Update for My Anxious and Reactive D...
Lucky started her 9th pack of her antidepressant (Fluoxetine) yesterday, marking 9 months on medication. Though she’s less terrified and more playful, I’m considering increasing her dosage from 20mg. I’ll...
Leash pulling - journey with my dog who is terr...
For Lucky, leash pulling was driven by her severe anxiety. Here’s what’s worked for us...
Leash pulling - journey with my dog who is terr...
For Lucky, leash pulling was driven by her severe anxiety. Here’s what’s worked for us...
Meeting Other Dogs with My Reactive Dog
Reactivity happens - your dog can explode, but that does not mean the end or signify failure. It's an opportunity to step back. Here are some tips I've picked up...
Meeting Other Dogs with My Reactive Dog
Reactivity happens - your dog can explode, but that does not mean the end or signify failure. It's an opportunity to step back. Here are some tips I've picked up...
When bad days happen with my highly anxious and...
Friday morning started with a messy walk. Lucky was extra nervous and sensitive, pulling and walking in circles. Here’s what helps me manage these tough days...
When bad days happen with my highly anxious and...
Friday morning started with a messy walk. Lucky was extra nervous and sensitive, pulling and walking in circles. Here’s what helps me manage these tough days...
"Your dog needs a heavy hand" - mistakes I've m...
I wish I had done things differently with Lucky. I exposed her to too much too soon, influenced by misconceptions about German Shepherds, especially those who are severely anxious and...
"Your dog needs a heavy hand" - mistakes I've m...
I wish I had done things differently with Lucky. I exposed her to too much too soon, influenced by misconceptions about German Shepherds, especially those who are severely anxious and...
Medication Update for My Anxious and Reactive D...
Today marks 6 months on antidepressant (Fluoxetine) for Lucky. Here is what I've observed...
Medication Update for My Anxious and Reactive D...
Today marks 6 months on antidepressant (Fluoxetine) for Lucky. Here is what I've observed...
Taking your highly fearful and reactive dog on ...
Taking your highly fearful and reactive dog out requires mental preparation, especially for trips with other people and dogs. Anticipating potential stress can be overwhelming.
Taking your highly fearful and reactive dog on ...
Taking your highly fearful and reactive dog out requires mental preparation, especially for trips with other people and dogs. Anticipating potential stress can be overwhelming.
The importance of giving your walks with your f...
When you have anxious and reactive dogs, every walk can feel like a training session. It's important to show them that walks can be fun too.
The importance of giving your walks with your f...
When you have anxious and reactive dogs, every walk can feel like a training session. It's important to show them that walks can be fun too.
Medication Update for My Anxious and Reactive D...
Today marks two months since Lucky started taking her antidepressant - Fluoxetine. We've combined medication with training, socializing, and inviting guests over.
Medication Update for My Anxious and Reactive D...
Today marks two months since Lucky started taking her antidepressant - Fluoxetine. We've combined medication with training, socializing, and inviting guests over.
Surviving day-to-day with our severely fearful ...
Navigating through multiple behavioral issues - excessive barking, reactivity, anxiety, etc. - can be overwhelming. I'd be lying if I said I never considered handing Lucky to someone else.
Surviving day-to-day with our severely fearful ...
Navigating through multiple behavioral issues - excessive barking, reactivity, anxiety, etc. - can be overwhelming. I'd be lying if I said I never considered handing Lucky to someone else.
Owning a severely reactive dog in a crowded city
Living in the center of Prague made finding the 'perfect' training environment for my highly fearful and reactive dog nearly impossible. Every walk with Lucky doubled as a training session.
Owning a severely reactive dog in a crowded city
Living in the center of Prague made finding the 'perfect' training environment for my highly fearful and reactive dog nearly impossible. Every walk with Lucky doubled as a training session.