Lead-reactive Tiffany was an ex-racing greyhound who missed out earlier in life on getting her life-skills, such as socialisation and being OK with meeting other dogs. Getting support from DogCommunication was both for her and her owner transformative.
When I first got Tiffany (greyhound) she was quite lead-reactive to other dogs. I guess as an ex-racing greyhound she had just never been socialised properly and was nervous of meeting other dogs – even other greyhounds. Not helped by the fact that she had to be walked on a lead for quite a while… In that first year we spent most of our walks trying to avoid other dogs. And meeting other dogs, particularly when they were off lead was always quite stressful!
Unfortunately I also wasn’t successful with finding a socialisation group or class for her – everything seemed to be geared at puppies. As we’re living in Brighton, going up to Dog Communications wasn’t the easiest option – I had to learn to drive and get a car first (I often joke that Tiffany has to be the most spoiled dog ever as she has her own chauffeur!). Anyway, it was the best thing we could have done. It gave her the chance to meet other dogs in a safe environment and both Tiffany and I have learned so much. She is so much better now around other dogs – and I have learned how to read and understand her body language better and help her around other dogs. And we’re both more relaxed, which always helps!
She has now found a few firm friends and is much better at meeting new dogs when we’re out & about. She still sometimes growls at other dogs, but I’ve realised that that can be O.K. and an appropriate reaction when other dogs are rude and ‘in her face’. On the other hand she is now sometimes seeking contact and the other day she even initiated play with a young retriever – I was so proud of her!
