Using Honest Hounds to Overcome a Challenge

It’s amazing to see the support and resources from the online community truly paying off for our members. This update is such a great example of what’s possible when you lean in, do the work, and know you’re not doing it alone.

“Yesterday I posted on coaching about how Theo's first trip to the beach and paddling in the sea was ruined by being charged by an off-lead dog with no recall causing his brain to go offline. I tried my best to manage it but it was awful.

Well this evening we went back! It had been such a hot day and we all needed to cool down.

I joined forces with my partner this time and we had a small paddle at first but Theo was having none of it. He was on such high alert, not taking treats, his brain still frazzled.

So we decided to walk him along the promenade, he was frantic, had 2 huge reactions to some dogs. A passer by commented on it - asking if he was a rescue because he reacted so strongly, they asked about his back story and ended up saying how grateful they are that we got him as they can see we are trying to help him (I nearly teared up as usually the conversation is much more negative against Theo).

Regardless though, we had lost Theo, he was completely offline. Both my partner and I were devastated but trying to hold it together for Theo.

HOWEVER!

Rather than giving up and going home, we sat on a bench to calm ourselves and then I suggested we try and find a quiet space to try the water again. My partner agreed so off we went.

Theo was very tentative about the water, so my partner went in to his waist, and me to a little bit further in than Theo, holding the lead but letting him make his own choices as to when to paddle and when to get out. I kept the lead slack and we used our voices and energy to encourage him. I didn't want to push him so letting him make the choice was most important in that moment.

“IT WORKED! After about 20 minutes he had calmed down enough to take treats (his evening meal kibble)! He refused this completely yesterday until we got back to the car. I was then able to use the kibble to gradually help him go further in the water, letting him go back to the shore when he wanted.

After another 15 minutes, he decided to go all the way in and HE SWAM TO MY PARTNER. I was holding his harness to keep him afloat as he's not the best swimmer so needs practice. Once he got to my partner, I left go of the lead and he held him up instead. Again each time Theo wanted to go back to the shore, we let him.

He ended up going back in another 8 times! I could have cried I was so happy. It was such an amazing moment and genuinely made us forget about everything that happened prior.

We decided to end the evening in a high and come back to shore for a final time and walked back to the car. Once in the car, I gave him the rest of his kibble and we sat for about 10 minutes to dry off before driving home so we can make dinner and Theo could go to bed.

It was such an amazing end to the day and I am so glad we went back to work towards helping Theo better manage what was such a difficult situation the day before.”