"You know little buddy, you're alright!"
Recently on Reactive Champion Crystal, had a masterful post called, What to Do After a Stressful Event. It recapped some great strategies for helping a reactive pup recover from a triggering event.
Reading this post made me much more cognizant of watching my Maizey’s stress level, and giving her lots of rest to help her adjust after bringing Magnus into the family. I did as Crystal suggested and kept up normal training, but I rested her from walks and big outings to avoid any further triggers.
Last night we took our first “family” outing to grandma’s house. (The safest environment I could think of, as Maizey spends much time there.) Even just in the car on the way Maizey was quite stressed. She was on high alert and wouldn’t settle down even though I was holding her. I could see what Crystal referred to about residual stress appearing in the form of being stressed at things that normally wouldn’t bother her. In the past I may have taken her home when I saw that behavior, but I wanted to see how she could manage in a safe controlled environment.
"Look out Maizeymay! Here comes SUPER MAGNUS!"
I am thrilled to report that with in 5 minutes of being there Maizey was playing and relaxed. She got the zoomies (stress or just joy motivated I don’t know) but, soon after that she and Magnus were playing chase all around the yard. Then Charley got in on the game, and it was just a blast! Soon they were all sprawled out on the grass panting and tired.
I can’t say for sure if this a sign of good things to come with Maizey’s reactivity, I will have to wait and see. As I have said before I know it is common for one dog to learn reactivity from another and hopefully I can continue to take enough steps to prevent or at least minimize that.
"Okay little dude, watch the personal space."
One thing I know for sure is I love to see my “young lady”, as Priscilla recently reminded me she is, playing in ways she never has before. She is now initiating tug and chase games, learning how to speak up in appropriate ways for her valued items, and even just showing interest in toys she never has before. All things that I feel are to her benefit in gaining confidence.
So I hope this trend continues, and in the words of the famous Susan Garrett, “today I am grateful for” having both my 4legged friends be friends with one another and snuggling me together as I type this.
