Dog Health
Dog Training
Force-free
Dog Training
Force-free
anxious dogs
Advocating for your spicy dog
Lauren
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Advocating for your spicy dog isn't always easy...
When our dogs are worried or overwhelmed by the world they rely on us to speak up for them, to set boundaries with people, and ask for space. This can feel uncomfortable to do, especially if we're not used to it!
Awareness gear can be a super helpful visual tool to let other people know your dog needs space. My Anxious Dog has a great range of leads, harnesses and jackets for just this purpose. But sometimes, even with awareness gear, we need to verbally ask for space or set boundaries.
We find having pre planned stock phrases super helpful for this. You don't have to think about what to say in the moment if you've already rehearsed it!
You can explain as little or as much as you like, and remember it’s absolutely okay just to say ‘No thank you’ to an interaction and move on.
Here are some phrases you can use if your dog struggles with dogs or people...
If they say: “Can I say hi to your dog?”
You can say: “Not right now we’re training, sorry!” or “You can but this is what we do to keep her calm...” and explain how you’d like them to greet your dog.
If they say: “Can my child stroke your dog?”
You can say: “Not right now we’re training, sorry!” or “She’s a little nervous and doesn’t like to be touched, but they can wave hello from where they’re stood”
If they say: “Can my child stroke your dog?”
You can say: “Not right now we’re training, sorry!” or “She’s a little nervous and doesn’t like to be touched, but they can wave hello from where they’re stood”
If they say: “Can my dog say hello?”
You can say: “Not right now we’re training, sorry!” or “No, he’s not friendly sorry.” even if this isn’t technically true, it’s likely to get you the space you need in the moment
You can say: “Not right now we’re training, sorry!” or “No, he’s not friendly sorry.” even if this isn’t technically true, it’s likely to get you the space you need in the moment
If they: Try to touch your dog without asking.
You can say: “No, thank you!” and move away, or “Please don’t touch him, he’s nervous of strangers.”
If they: Are approaching with an off lead dog
You can say: “Would you mind putting your dog on lead while we walk past?” or “Please could you call your dog away, mine’s nervous”
The more you practise, the easier it gets!