Meet Fuji, the Aussiedoodle!
Despite living a very privileged life (early socialization, good nutrition, loving, gentle home), at around 1 year old Fuji started to display some fear based reactivity. This isn’t uncommon, actually, and often has a genetic component – think of human mental illnesses manifesting in early adulthood. She’s very worried about unknown dogs and humans, things that move fast (bikes and joggers), and basically anything she deems out of the ordinary – which can be a lot. She also hated people coming near her chews and treats. All in all, life was stressful for both Fuji and her people!
Here’s where training comes in.
Fuji has been working hard with our trainer Ericka on learning what to do when she sees a Scary Thing, and her humans know exactly what to do to help her feel better. She no longer resource guards her valued chewies. Day by day, week by week, Fuji has become much braver and much less reactive, and has even made some new friends – both human AND dog! (This is her with stimulus dog, Apollo.)
It’s NOT “all in how you raise them.”
Fuji would like you to know that sometimes, it’s not “all in how you raise them.” Troubled dogs are not always caused by anything their owner has done. Sometimes, everything can go right in how a dog is raised, and they just drew the short straw when it comes to “bravery genes.” Some of us need more support from our communities than others, and that’s okay! Go Fuji go, with your new brave self!
