Am I Cautious?

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I bet you’re wondering what that’s all about? Me? Cautious? Well, yes, I guess I am, or at least that’s what they say. When I was just a young lass of a pup, I’d romp and play at the dog park. My favorite one was Fido’s. But then a two-legger who worked there walked funny at me–sorta like a monster–and it scared me. And a German Shepherd jumped me and all these dogs rushed up to the gate when I went in with Mom. I decided that place was NO FUN anymore. Mom took me over there to get my picture taken last week and I was so scared all I could do was shiver. GET ME OUT OF HERE. So, we did. I won’t go in that dog park for anything anymore.

A couple of months ago, at our neighborhood park, a dog bullied me. He just wouldn’t leave me alone. Mom tried to get him away from me, but he was having no part of it. I just can’t stand another dog yelling at me all the time. So, I left and now I won’t go back.

Now, don’t get me wrong. There are LOTS of dog parks that I love. We play ball, I find mud puddles and I get to run and run. But I don’t like big dogs rushing up at me…I go sit by Mom until the dog goes away. I also love, love, LOVE agility. I can’t wait to go to my lesson every week. And I love going for walks and going to stores and lots of other stuff–especially if there’s a ball or a mud puddle. And I have some really good furiends that I play with, but I’ve known them for a long time and they don’t scare me.

Yesterday, Mom and Dad took me to a new/old place where dogs go and play. That’s where I went to school when I was young. Nothing bad ever happened there–I LIKE that place. They talked to the man while I played ball–Mom said he’s a certified behaviorist. While I played ball, the man brought in some dogs. First one, then two, then a whole bunch. We all met and I was happy. The man was happy too.

Mom said we’re going to go back to school there, next month, so I can get my Canine Good Citizen certificate. If I do really well, she said I was going to take some more schooling and see if I can be a therapy dog. I really like people (better than some dogs, that’s for sure!).

So, am I cautious? You bet. But there are other places to go besides dog parks. Sometimes they just aren’t for me.

Have you ever felt like that?

 

24 thoughts on “Am I Cautious?”

  1. My very first time at the dog park in my neighborhood, I got rolled and chased by two big dogs. They didn’t hurt me, but I was so scared. I’ve never forgotten it. I still like to go to the park to chase balls, but I only like to play with dogs I’ve known for a long time. I think it’s smart to be cautious.

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  2. I get scared too, Sage. I like to play one on one with dogs, but I get overwhelmed with large rambunctious groups. I like little dogs and shy dogs and old dogs and puppies 😀

    Wyatt

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  3. Bambi was like you Sage!!! Zoie~~~~ I don’t know how she is!! We have two ladies bring their dogs to come and play but they had dogs the same size as Zoie was and she loved playing with them but she was jealous when those dogs wanted to be close to me!! Zoie does not want to share me at all!!! :)))

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  5. Don’t worry, Sage, you are not the only one who is cautious. Since I got attacked, I have not been around a lot of doggies. I was two at the vet when I went to get my stitches out. And Candy at the groomers, but that is about it. Mommy does not even walk me anymore. We stay in the back yard and play fetch all the time. I really like it and so does mommy. But she says we need to try a walk again soon. I have been to the store and the groomer, but that is about it.

    Bad things are just that, bad things,

    Doggy Kisses,
    Tanner

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  6. Oh dear Sage, I can see how you might be cautious after being around those bad apples. You will be a wonderful therapy dog. I can’t wait to hear all about it.

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  9. Perfectly said Sage! There are many dogs that just don’t like the dog park (unfortunately, sometimes dogs at the dog park don’t have the best training and manners!) Good for you for being cautious!

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  11. We don’t do dog parks either, Sage. Too many other dog owners who don’t have their dogs under control. We have enough with each other to have lots of fun times together. One day Mom would love for one or two of us to become therapy dogs too. Good luck with your training. We know you will do well.

    Woos – Phantom, Thunder, Ciara, and Lightning

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  12. Dear Sage,

    Is this where I admit I used to be one of these big dogs rushing up to say hello? I got exiled from one park in the early days. (it was self exile and turned out good because I found some dogs just as rough as me to play with!)

    These days, I’m Such A Good Girl, even the tiniest pup tries to bully me. I bet I have therapy dog potential too but my humans are too lazy to do anything about it. They just want to use me as a heat sac,

    Good luck with your schooling!

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  13. Hey Sage,

    So sorry to hear you were bullied you poor thing – big hugs!!

    Great news you want to be a Therapy Dog – you’ll be great!! I’m gonna have my final assessment really soon to be a Therapy Dog, got my paws crossed, but Mum says there’s no rush as I’m still really young so we’re hoping to get things to work on if I don’t pass first time…..

    Have a fun day

    Your pal Snoopy 🙂

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  14. We are cautious too when it comes to dog parks and have only gone to one once. Nothing bad happen it just wasn’t the right place for us.
    I think it is great that you are taking classes for your CGC title! Best of luck to you!

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  15. I think we’ve all been there! I got knocked down in the kitchen by Morgan and now I will only walk out of the kitchen backwards. It cracks Mom and Dad up, and they’ve tried to get me to walk out facing forward, but I’m not taking any chances!

    Bunny

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  17. How sad Sage, I know just where you’re coming from. MY dad took me out for a walk along the beach (when we lived in Scotland) and this dog came over and was really aggressive, Dad had to protect me and he chased off the dog. In the park I get to know all the dogs and they are really cool and friendly – one used to bark at me (I don’t bark – never have) and I just gave him a look and he settled down and now he is okay and quiet.

    Good luck with your Certificate and remember we girls stick together – girl power -x-

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  18. Hey Sage, Jet here. I totally understand. I’m glad you have places that feel comfortable. Sounds like your humans understand, too. I shiver when I’m scared, too. I shiver mostly with loud sounds like streaky lights and booms (storms), helicopters/planes, exploding transponders etc…

    My sister, Koko, (may she be frolicking over the Rainbow Bridge), did pet therapy with Mom at the childrens hospital for 4 1/2 years. Oh Sage, Mom said it’s the BEST thing you’ll ever do. Good luck! You will change human lives.

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  19. Woof! Woof! Totally understand n agree. We are too … it is better to feel safe. Great to be a therapy dog. I enjoyed going to schools … you do good n be great too. Can wait to read your progress. Lots of Golden Woofs, Sugar

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  20. Gosh Sage, some dogs is just plain ROOD! And mostly their coz of their peeples. I love udder dogs and one-on-one with a new dog, no problem. I can even take 2 or 3 at a time even tho it rattles me a little but I get ofur it when I see they is furrendly. But on my hike yesterday these peeples woz on the trail with 8 dogs, all OFF LEASH wot woz BIGGER than ME and they all punced on ME at the same time. They would not lissen to their peeples calling them. Mom YELLED at their peeples that their dogs woz overwhelming me and to GET THEM OFF OF ME NOW!!! Mom gibbed their peeples big time snarly face. They grabbed their dogs’ collahs, sayed they woz sorry, and dragged their dogs away. Now I is going to be worried when I see udder dogs on the trail, thanks so furry much.

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  21. That’s so cool that you might get to be a therapy dog Sage. My person has never taken me to the dog park because we have trails that we can walk to from our house. I think my person kind of likes it when I keep her on a leash.

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  23. Bravo to Mom for paying close attention to how you’re feeling, Sage. Many times I’ve seen people forcing their dogs into social situations or interactions when they’re obviously uncomfortable and I feel very sad for the dog.

    Mom told me that Toby’s got some new issues to negotiate. Give him a big five-5 for me. When Daley’s mobility became compromised little changes around the house really helped because our focus became keeping him healthy and exercising (“use it or lose it”!) but at a safe and appropriate level because a sprain or strain can really aggravate the big picture. We stopped walking him on concrete because his nails would scape due to decreased range of motion in his back legs and the chance of him tripping increased. Grass and other soft surfaces were much better. Also we built ramps for our stairs at home. And floor rugs were essential as it could be difficult for him to get traction on our wood floors. I can’t recommend the Help ‘Em Up Harness enough. A ramp wouldn’t work for our car and with his harness on I could easily lift him in and out of the car and up and down short flights of stairs if needed (and I only had about 15 pounds on him.) Also, if he did trip while we were out on walks/hikes the harness has a handle on it and I could easily grab it and steady him. Please tell Mom to get in touch if she ever wants to talk.

    I have a good friend whose senior dog is doing rehab exercises at a local canine physical therapy practice and I’m going to check in with her to see how she likes the place. Daley walked on an underwater treadmill once a week and it really helped his range of motion and maintaining muscle tone – the buoyancy of the water makes the exercise feel low impact for the dogs but the treadmill motion exercises the leg more fully than they’re apt to do on their own if walking or swimming once disease is compromising the joints.

    -Chandra at Daley’s Dog Years

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