03/28/2026
Today we did loud, crowded spaces today. This was actually a small art event and I knew our favorite dog treat maker was there. I just needed to find her booth. Also I could tell Flint would be able to work on this, and I made sure to have a super high value item that only gets used a few times a year.
We ended up taking about 1 1/2 to 2 hours to walk through this small event, but slow is always best. Flint really did amazing. The first two years with him I would never attempt this. I would also feel sad seeing others easily have their dogs with no issues.
Five years in I’ve gained knowledge, confidence, and we have a bond. I know when it’s too much for him, and sometimes we might be stuck and I need to find a way out. But I am not trying to “cure” his reactivity. He is a working, herding breed, incredibly smart, and doesn’t like being restricted. I understand all of that, I don’t like being restricted either. I also get overwhelmed in loud, crowded spaces. After some time I also have enough.
I was asked if I was training him and I said no. I explained at one time I wanted to cure his reactions to life. It’s important to be safe, but his reactions are normal. So doing things like this is very rare. Instead we do some kind of nature adventure or fun walk where he can use his brain, during times there will be less doggies on their walks.
He is sentient and has his own life experience, which I control. That’s a very big responsibility and now I want him to enjoy life and do things he wants to do. At the very end we found the treat lady and stocked up!
