The special bond with anxious dogs

Of course, the bond between caregivers and dogs generally is well-known and is absolutely amazing. The unconditional love, the loyalty, the trust, the fun, the friendship.

Caregivers of anxious dogs might experience all that, but we might also experience it differently...it might look a bit different.

For some caregivers of anxious dogs, love might look like their dog finally being able to be in the same room. Friendship might look like their dog finally able to lie down in their presence. I have so much admiration for these people.

I am very fortunate that George has always been affectionate and not fearful of me. I truly appreciate that. I do have to be careful to constantly protect the trust we have built - one scary incident can challenge that.

However, the 'typical' bond certainly looks a bit different for us.

The opportunities for fun are more limited than I had imagined - playing at home, at Sniffspots (which can be a bit hit and miss). He LOVES training at home, so that is a great way for us both to have some fun. Training outside of the home is pretty much a non-starter at the moment.

He shows his love in many ways at home - he's super cuddly and affectionate.

I know he reads my emotions and energy expertly, but I think he struggles too much with his own. I read countless stories of dogs comforting his owners if they're upset...not George! He acts like he couldn't care less 😆

Despite it looking a bit different, I think the bond between caregivers and anxious dogs can be so incredibly special and unique.

For those of us caring for dogs with separation anxiety, we are with them all of the time. Day in, day out.

We change our entire lives to try to help our dogs feel safe. We are often our dog's only safe space in a very scary world.

We've invested endless energy, worry, patience (mostly) and many tears into their care.

We have trials, tribulations, setbacks, and work through them together.

We feel intense joy and pride if they walk past a trigger without barking. The small wins are intensely fought for and cherished.

We have carefully built, and fiercely protect, the trust they have for us.

We have spent months (or years) carefully building their confidence.

In a world where everything is scary, an anxious dog feeling safe with you and wanting to be close to you is the most incredibly beautiful and special thing. I have never experienced a bond quite like it.

He might be testing my patience barking at the neighbours, but he is there with me through the good times and the bad.

Despite all the challenges and the ups and (many) downs, he is truly my very best friend in the world, my soul dog, and I value that so very much.