I can't express how much I appreciate walks with my friend and her dog.
We met just before George's reactivity really kicked in. For a while we were able to go on group walks together and to busier and more enclosed walks. It was great.
George's reactivity started escalating and our world started getting smaller. But a constant throughout has been my friend and her dog.
We tend to walk at least once a week now. At my request, it is pretty much restricted to one location, and at a preferred time - the cemetery on a Sunday morning.
We used to have some great forest walks, but I am nervous after a very challenging walk (see 'A trail of triggers and tears').
We also used to go to the beach fairly regularly, but have had some challenges there too. Our previous walks at the local creek are a bit too busy for George at the moment.
The cemetery is great. It is fairly popular with dog walkers, but it's spacious and has good visibility. There are options to get out of the way and create distance. Perfect for reactive dogs (and their owners!).
George tends to do better on walks in the mornings, and we have found a time that is relatively quiet, after the early risers and before the lunchtime walkers.
We've had some really good walks there recently. When George is ready, I think it will be a good training location. There are usually triggers, but you can create a lot of distance.
My confidence and calm are different when we are with my friend. I know we are a team, and I will be supported with whatever comes our way.
She advocates for George constantly - shouting at owners to call their dog, explaining to people that we need space, and even standing on the lead of an encroaching dachshund. She's a second pair of eyes scanning the horizon. She's better at spotting dogs in the distance than me sometimes which is saying something!
Her lovely, confident and friendly dog is really patient with George too. They are always pleased to see each other, then he gives George space for the rest of the walk. I think walking together really helps build George's confidence.
I am very grateful for her patience, advocacy and willingness to adapt to support George's needs.
We're not the easiest to hang out with given our requirements. But every week, they are there.