Why some dogs react to other dogs, the challenges for owners, and finding help from a dog trainer.
It wasn't meant to go like this. You've spent months preparing to welcome your dog. You’ve looked for hours at different breeds and their temperaments. You’ve finally decided on the right time.
You’re ready, bed in place, toys unwrapped – you’re right to be excited. Your new family member promises to bring lots of excitement and happiness to your home.
But what if it doesn’t start as you hoped?
Your dog reacts to other dogs, walks are stressful, and you don’t see things improving.
What if it doesn’t get better, or maybe even gets worse? You’re following all the advice and doing all the right things, but you’re losing confidence.
We know this isn’t uncommon. Still, it can feel very isolating.
You might be experiencing the same thing. Read Jan and Steve’s story, meet Dougie the Yorkshire Terrier, and see how the right dog training can help.
Take a walk with Poppets Dog Training…
Tell us about yourself and your family.
We’re a family of four and thought about getting a dog for some time. I think we always imagined a fifth family member joining us and our children.
I guess we followed a similar pattern to many, with a bit of persuasion and waiting for the right time. We took the plunge in August 2020.
Tell us about your dog. How did you choose them, or did they choose you?
We have a 4-year-old Yorkie called Dougie.
He’s been with us since he was a puppy, and we were able to choose him from his litter mates. Aside from being super cute, he was friendly, confident and easy going.
Why did you look for a dog trainer?
It’s crazy to say it now, but five years ago, the first lockdown was about to start.
Because we got our pup during this time, we couldn’t properly let him meet other dogs early on in his life.
When we did, he had some poor interactions with other dogs. I remember him being unsettled when this happened, and it made him nervous when meeting others.
He’d gone from the security of the small lockdown world with us to the unpredictability of the bigger world as things opened up again.
This left him very reactive around other dogs – it makes sense now we understand this as a coping mechanism.
From Rachel, Owner at Poppets: There can be different reasons for a dog reacting like this. It could be something like fireworks, or another relational cause of feeling unsafe. Patience and care are needed for both.
You’re not alone. We’ve supported other dogs whose experiences had made them anxious and unable to take their walks.
What challenges were you facing?
Our dog is brilliant with people but wary with dogs.
Once he’s had time to get to know a dog, he is fine, but he can bark and react when unknown dogs suddenly get too close.
Far too often we would encounter random dogs off their lead running up to ours, despite asking owners to give us space. We would be told it was "Ok," as their dog was fine.
The impact on Dougie was massive and we knew how he’d react… but we couldn’t help him – the situation just wasn’t Ok for our dog.
So, the challenges were two-fold. First, there was the practical challenge of walks being predictably unpredictable. Second, it became stressful and upsetting for us all because we couldn’t control the situation to make it better for Dougie.
How did you find Poppets Dog Training? Why did you choose them?
I’ve known Rachel for a long time, and I have seen her in action as a dog trainer on several occasions. She is a kind and compassionate person, who doesn’t train through harsh methods.
Instead, she works with owners and families, teaching them how to come alongside their dog and understand things from their point of view.
She taught me to train Dougie in the calm, caring, and consistent way he needed. This approach is very important when helping him to cope and feel safe if I see him getting nervous.
From Rachel, Owner at Poppets: A good dog trainer will see the needs of the dog and family and care for both in their training.
How did Poppets help with your dog reacting?
Rachel taught me how to build our dog’s confidence through consistent reward-based training. Rachel worked with me on a one-to-one basis, where we went through various real-life scenarios.
First Rachel would show me ‘how to’ and then let me have a go. Rachel would talk us through the plans and methods with explanations like, “We’re doing this because…”
She empowers you and gives you confidence.
From Rachel, Owner at Poppets: Just like with humans, dog behaviour needs expert understanding and care.The wrong type of training can make a situation worse.
You might enjoy our recent article explaining why we use force-free training, “Dog training methods.”
What was it like working with Poppets Dog Training?
I found Poppets to be very professional and understanding.
Rachel has so much knowledge and is able to share it. She would give lots of tips and advice during the sessions, which was invaluable.
Rachel put me at ease on many occasions, and I never felt unable to ask questions.
How does Rachel work?
When I first started my training with Rachel, my confidence was low. After all the excitement and anticipation, I couldn’t enjoy being a dog owner, and this hurt.
Rachel was very patient and supportive – she “gets” people as well as dogs. She understood our issues, and knew the sense of frustration and isolation owners can feel when their dog reacts like Dougie was.
She had loads of methods to help us both improve and cope. It wasn’t like she was following a formula, as she was able to adapt to our specific challenge.
From Rachel, Owner at Poppets: Of course, these kind words mean a lot.
What’s most important to me is for owners to find the right training. Always check the credentials of the person you’re trusting your dog with.
Poppets are research-led, using best practice methods endorsed by the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT), Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC) and Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors.
Tell us about your dog reacting now. What are you most proud of?
Dougie is so much better now.
He can still have little wobbles from time to time. It tends to be when we have been caught unexpectedly by an ‘off lead’ dog.
But highlighting the reasons for Dougie’s behaviour, and knowing techniques to support, really helps. Rachel helped us to read situations, making us better prepared. By understanding the cause, we can make a difference to his sense of safety when he feels nervous.
Our walks together have gone from being incredibly stressful to enjoyable… as they should be. At one point, it didn’t feel like we would get here.
Would you recommend Poppets to others? If so, why?
Absolutely. Rachel will provide you with caring compassionate training, using informed methods which really work. She tailors training to suit your own situation and what will work best with your dog.
What would you say about Poppets if asked?
If you’re struggling with your dog and need help, contact Rachel. You’ll get advice and real hands-on help.
Don’t struggle on alone. It can be a lonely, upsetting place.
You’ll find no judgement at Poppets Dog Training, only support.
From Rachel, Owner at Poppets: There are no magic formulas in dog training. But with hard work and patience we can build confidence and a set of tools to empower owners and let them enjoy their dog.
Jan, Steve and Dougie – Well done and thanks for reaching out. I knew you’d get there.
We’ll be posting again soon to give you even more insight into force-free training. Poppets know reward-based behaviour change is the only way to see you and your dog thriving – don’t trust anything else.
Do you have questions about Poppets Dog Training and what we're doing across Nuneaton and Warwickshire... or just need a bit of help?
Get in touch - I’d love to meet you and your four-legged friend.
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