Just because your dog is still reactive doesn’t mean you haven’t made enough progress

This is for anyone struggling to see progress with their pups and for those who criticize others’ lack of progress.

Yes, Lucky has been with me for over 2 years. Yes, I use a harness, not a prong collar. Yes, she sleeps in bed, and I shower her with affection. Yes, I comfort her in stressful situations when she’s scared or nervous. Yes, we sometimes venture into trigger-filled environments that overwhelm her. Yes, we still have bad days. And yes, she’s still reactive.

And here’s what I want to add: The harness has significantly reduced her leash pulling. You can show leadership without sacrificing affection. Comfort doesn’t reinforce fear; it offers reassurance. Avoiding stressful situations indefinitely isn’t realistic, especially in a city. Overwhelming situations don’t equate to failure; they can foster resilience. Despite the challenges, life with Lucky has become much easier. Her reactivity has decreased by like 90%. While Lucky is still reactive, I feel in control, and that matters a lot.

So, reflect on your journey—how far you’ve come, what you’ve learned, and how you feel now. Only you know what’s best for both you and your dog. If you believe adjustments are needed, make them. But don’t let outsiders’ uninformed opinions get to you. Disregard the “get a new trainer,” “ditch the harness,” or “leave the city” comments. Just because your dog is still reactive after some time doesn’t mean you haven’t made enough progress.