Some dogs are ready to make friends straight away, while others would rather keep their distance. And that's absolutely fine!
I've had nervous and reactive dogs of my own, so I know that not every dog is comfortable around other dogs. It's something that's really important to me when I'm out walking, because I want the dogs in my care to feel comfortable and enjoy their time with me.
A little about Betty and Bentley
My Chihuahua Betty and my previous dog Bentley, a Jack Russell cross Chihuahua, have both been nervous and reactive around other dogs.
Having dogs of my own who need a bit more space has taught me a lot about managing triggers and paying attention to what they're comfortable with. It's also one of the reasons I understand how important it is for nervous dogs to have their own space when they're out walking.
Every dog is different!
One of my favourite things about working with dogs is getting to know all their little likes and dislikes. Some dogs are happy to make friends straight away, while others need a bit longer. I don't think there's anything wrong with that!
What works for one dog might not work for another, and even the same dog might need something different from one day to the next. Sometimes that means changing the plan because they've seen the postman that morning, or because it's raining and they're not particularly keen on going out in it.
And that's okay!
Why I offer one-to-one dog walks
My one-to-one walks are just your dog (or dogs from the same household) and me.
I collect them from your front door and walk them on the routes they know best. It's a lovely option for dogs who are nervous around others, because the walk can be planned around what they're comfortable with.
I always work with the dog I've got in front of me, rather than expecting them to feel or behave exactly the same way every day.
For me, that's what looking after dogs is all about. Getting to know them, understanding what they need and making sure they enjoy their time with me.
Looking for one-to-one walks for your dog? Have a look at my dog walking service or get in touch to tell me a little about them.
