A story about reactivity…
[disclaimer – you should know your dog and their trigger points]
One of Marcus’s playmates is Milo – they have always got on very well. Milo lives with two other pooches – Jas is a white husky cross and usually gets on with most dogs. Tillie is a rommie and is very reactive to other dogs, has to wear a muzzle in public and generally doesn’t accept other pooches in her house. Both Jas and Tillie are very friendly to hoomans
Marcus first met Jas and Tillie about 6 weeks ago and it was as expected – in their home and Tillie very reactive to Marcus and vice versa. Jas joining in on the growling – Milo just wanting to play.
The odd times that Marcus has been back there (after dropping Milo off from a play date) – Tillie and Jas have been kept in another room to avoid contact.
Marcus met Milo and Jas at the beach – Jas told Marcus off and they ignored each other for the rest of the day.
Marcus and me had need to be there most of Sunday – Marcus and Milo were free to run and play whilst Tillie and Jas were able to smell and look at them playing via the baby gate. Tillie and Jas making huge fusses of me and vice versa – all getting treats etc. Marcus and Milo have to go on long leads for a while as the garden temporarily becomes insecure.
All secure again and it’s decided to let all the dogs interact with each other – Tillie wearing her muzzle (which she never does inside her house). The moment of truth ! Jas and Marcus explore each other and sniff etc. Zero reactivity from Tillie – not even barking. After a while Marcus and Jas are happily playing and running around – Milo gets a bit jealous as he’s used to playing with Marcus!
At some point – Marcus is getting playfully bashed by Milo and Jas and doesn’t quite know why the world is ganging up on him 🥹. Marcus and Jas happily starting playing but Jas also gently telling Marcus when she’s had enough.
They all get introduced again to each other as Marcus was needed today for his 15 minutes of fame [more to follow on that soon] – and another huge decision was made.
Zero reactivity – even some gentle playing from Tillie (she usually watches and joins in when she wants rather than instigate play).
Whether it’s the fact that Milo and Marcus play lovely, maybe it’s the fact that they all had chance to sniff safety whilst behind the safety of bars, maybe it’s the fact that Marcus was in their domain for most of Sunday – who knows. Maybe it’s just time?
What I do know is that Marcus has two new playmates and they all did very well.
Happy Marcus, no muzzle on Tillie – four content pooches !
Marcus and dad 