Safe spaces. We know how important these are for our reactive dogs. Space is what saves our dog and us from a very stressful walk and or encounter. A safe space may be a particular room, a crate, behind a barrier, or a certain distance when on walks between the dog and the trigger.
Safe spaces keep you and your dog under threshold.
Have you ever thought about safe spaces from your perspective? I don't mean literal space as in distance or parameters. I mean safe places where you can go to get the information you know is safe, places where you can share and decompress without judgment or criticism.
You may have thought of this but are unsure where to access such safe spaces. It is understandable, given the vast array of information out there. Clients often come to me when they have already exhausted other options. They have tried the videos on Youtube, read certain books, and listened to the advice of other dog owners, friends and family, but they now feel more lost than they did before, confused to the max because non of the information seems to agree with each other. There are so many different theories and opinions.
So how do you know what is good and what isn't?
Unfortunately, some of the information out thier is dangerous. I have had many conversations with my owners about how they have felt like they have been advised to try a particular approach or specific type of equipment that they didn't really feel comfortable with, and they questioned it at the time in thier heads.
My answer to you is to listen to your gut, if it feels wrong or you think it is not suitable for your dog then don't do it, and continue to ask questions. You know your dog better than anyone, he will also tell you if something suits him or not, and you will know. If something makes you feel uncomfortable or worried, then it's probably not good.
Safe spaces for you are essential. It helps you to keep a positive mindset and stay emotionally balanced. The relief you get when you find a safe community to chat with. The support you get from reading a book that makes sense and that you understand. The negative release from choosing to talk about your dog with a friend or family member who does not try to give advice or opinions, but listens and is sympathetic. Suddenly you do not feel so isolated. You feel supported.
But how do you find these spaces? Where do you go?
Well, my canine friend, I plan to put together a small catalogue of resources. This will include links to videos, Facebook groups that I approve of, Websites and books.
This is going to take me some time, so please be patient. You deserve a safe space (or several) just as much as your dog.
Of course, if you are ready to obtain professional help and support for both you and your dog, but have some questions about the process before making your decision, then feel free to book your FREE discovery call with me using this link: https://calendly.com/canine-reactive/discovery-call
Gemma
x
Comments