" 2 Reactive dogs go for a walk" - the first walk

We had a plan, a goal, if you like. We wanted to be able to attend Clivedon House National Trust togehter on Friday, March 20th, which is National Dogs in Yellow day.

I wanted to be able to take Rosie because she's the reason I'm a partner for My Anxious Dog. She's the reason I advocate so hard for the dogs who need a little extra space. Because they're nervous, or anxious or recovering from a trauma or operation. The reason is irrelevant; all that matters is that they need space.

I wanted to be able to go with Tanya & Cheery because their journey together has been incredible! Tanya has worked tirelessly to help Cheery adapt to her new life, her new world, and to help her understand her emotions and work out how to help her.

We weren't sure if they would be able to walk together. The plan was never for them to meet while on lead. There was no need for face-to-face greetings or anything like that. Our goal was simple. Could we walk together without lunging and snarling and spinning and reactions.

So we set up a trial walk. Somewhere quiet where we knew all dogs had to be on lead, so this reduced the chance of being rushed by off-lead dogs (a trigger for both dogs). We were sceptical about whether the energy of both dogs would be a trigger for the other, but we went in with a 'if we don't try, we'll never know'.

BOY OH BOY did they do us proud! We did the entire walk without even the smallest lip curl. It was absent of spinning, there was no lunging, no barking at each other, and the only thing that triggered them was the cocky pheasants that were egging them on around the estate ;)