Accentuate the Positive

I had lots of plans for this puppy. But mostly I was looking forward to taking Blitz on long walks in the neighborhood, shopping at dog-friendly stores, and enjoying a meal at restaurants with outdoor dining. In other words, I was looking forward to taking Blitz with me wherever dogs are allowed to go. As it turns out, Blitz is, what professionals in the dog world call leash reactive. In other words, he totally loses his sh*# when he sees another dog when we're out and about. 

We're working on it. Hard. And we are making progress. I no longer dread taking him on a walk, but I am still hyperaware of our surroundings and prepared to use all the strategies I've learned to keep Blitz under threshold when we see another dog heading our way. 

If I'm honest, not being able to walk him where and when I want is a huge disappointment. I'm hoping with continued training things won't always be this way. 

In the meantime, I've decided to accentuate the positive. Blitz hasn't chewed up one shoe and he doesn't eat socks. He doesn't sneak off when my back's turned and get into mischief. He doesn't mind the rain. Or a bath. He's good with my grandkids. He hasn't even eaten one of their toys. He's a perfect passenger in the car. Even on road trips. And he settles down for the evening not long after dinner. When it's time for bed, he's happy to get in his crate and sleep through the night. 

Plus, Blitz is a very happy go lucky guy. He puts a smile on my face every day. And often makes me laugh. Would I like a better walking buddy? Yes. But nobody's perfect.