No Bad Dogs
A photo project about reactive dogs & the people who love them
By Christine Roulston
Presented by Township Community Arts Council - Esquimalt
Open to the public: December 3 to January 7 at Gallery Splash!
Located in Esquimalt Town Square (501 Park Pl, Esquimalt)
A few years ago my world was turned upside-down
A dog we adopted developed some concerning behaviour. Over the course of a few months Polly morphed from a roly-poly puppy to a mature dog that chased a man down the street, attacked another dog and regularly lunged and snarled at dogs approaching on leash.
Every time I left the house to walk Polly I was on edge. Soon I couldn’t eat. I couldn’t sleep. How could this dog we loved so dearly act like this outside the home? I called our vet sobbing that Polly should be put to sleep. The vet wisely suggested I find a behaviourist and put Polly on some anti anxiety meds.
Since then, I’ve learned so much from research and working with amazing trainers. Through working on Polly’s behavioral issues we’ve formed an unbreakable bond. Polly’s reactivity has put me in uncomfortable situations and forced me to be brave. That bravery has extended into other avenues, truly enhancing all parts of my life. I can now say walking Polly is a highlight of my day!
My photo project No Bad Dogs features dogs with reactivity and owners that have committed to making sure they have the best lives possible. Here are some highlights of what I’ve learned:
Koya & Keara
First, what is a reactive dog? A dog that experiences reactivity is one that can get overly aroused by common stimuli. They may lunge, bark and growl at whatever is triggering the emotion and become difficult to control. Unlike aggressive behavior, their response is based in fear. It’s still disconcerting as an owner, especially when your dog is so loving and relaxed at home. With training and support you can learn to help your dog succeed in the world.
Keara says Koya is evidence of this as an exuberant and affectionate family dog who has struggled with reactivity on leash with dogs. Keara says Koya has even achieved some wins in sport and they are on this reactive dog journey to prove they can accomplish all their goals! Koya was truly a delight to photograph and I wish them all the best.
Ollie & Nishara
Why does a dog become reactive? While some owners can trace their dog’s reactivity to a certain incident (ie. being attacked by another dog) others don’t know why their dog starts behaving reactively in certain situations.
For some owners, such as Nishara and her partner Roby, little is known of their dog’s past, as Ollie was found dodging traffic on a Regina street before being picked up by the Humane Society. Luckily Ollie was adopted by a loving couple who makes sure he gets plenty of exercise despite his reactivity towards other dogs. No more running in traffic for Ollie; now the running he does is with Roby in the early morning and on quiet beaches in Tofino.
Beatrice & Moby
Why would you keep a reactive dog? When Beatrice adopted Moby, a Mexican rescue 6 years ago, it took some time for him to integrate into the family. After a few months though, he warmed right up to Beatrice, her husband and young kids, loving cuddles and playing fetch.
Moby was wary of other dogs though and one day attacked another dog while playing off leash. Like many owners of reactive dogs, Beatrice had a decision to make: “I wasn’t sure I could handle him but I also knew that if I returned him he would end up neglected or dead.” So she started working with a trainer, learning more about Moby’s behavior and what to do in certain situations. Among the changes she made was having Moby wear a muzzle when they’re out to remove the chance of anything happening with another dog. Now Beatrice can’t imagine life without Moby and it’s clear that Moby feels the same.
For more, visit Gallery Splash! December 3 to January 7
Located in Esquimalt Town Square (501 Park Pl, Esquimalt)
