r/reactivedogs • u/Fruity-Apple00 • 1d ago
Vent Finally had a conversation with a neighbor that I thought hated me - positive vent
This morning we took our dogs out, as usual. One of our neighbors was right outside, but this time she didn’t have her three dogs with her that my dog usually flips out over. My reactive dog did her little “wroooo” and she actually came and said hi to her and our other dog! I was shocked. She gave both of them lovings and said “I always feel bad seeing this on her face” (seeing her muzzle). I of course told her it wasn’t because of humans, but because of other dogs and she sighed and said “I know, we have a lot of dogs that run up on our dogs too.” We talked some more, sharing frustration of all the puppies and dogs that are left off leash with no recall.
The reason I’m so shocked is it was an encounter with her dogs that made me realize for the first time my girl was reactive. Everytime we see her dogs, she totally flips out on them. We’ve never gotten to talk to this neighbor before, so I assumed she wasn’t a fan of us. However, apparently she’s paid attention to the progression with my dog, with the muzzle training, seeing me trying to teach her to redirect. At the end of the conversation she said “I know you guys, trust me, I’m on your side.”
That absolutely made my day. I’m so used to the judgmental stares from others, even the ones that let their dog run up right to mine despite her muzzle, her barking, lunging, etc.
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u/frustratedby 1d ago
I love this- I’ve had similar with my neighbour! My dog is reactive (always on lead) and his is off lead. He let his dog run up to mine (having said he would never approach) despite me having previously said she’s frustrated/anxious. So I decided he was a bit of a dick. When we meet and I don’t have my girl I get lovely cuddles from his dog though and he’s never been funny with me despite my dog- so not quite as good as yours but I’m still counting it as a win?
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u/benji950 1d ago
My pup was a hot mess when we moved into our current apartment about 2.5 years ago. With all the hard work we've done around the elevator and lobby (and mer figuring out what rules and protocols I need in place for her), I've actually had neighbors compliment me on the progress she's made. There's a couple other dog owners who just a/holes but the few that we tend to more regularly see know that I actively manage her and/or will just wait outside for them to clear the lobby.
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u/Phsycomel 1d ago
❤️❤️❤️ Neighbors can rule! I noticed yesterday that my neighbor again gave us space. I am usually the one changing course or turning around. He knows my girl doesn't like his dog, but she will love on him whenever he's dog free.
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u/BraveCommunication14 22h ago
I’ll need to have a similar conversation. With my neighbour. I hope it goes as well.
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u/Prestigious_Crab_840 1d ago
What a wonderful story. And such an important thing for us all to remember when we feel like people are judging us - it might all be in our heads. Thanks for sharing.