Self Care Tips for Reactive Dog Guardians

Owning a reactive dog can be a challenging and emotionally taxing experience. It's important for reactive dog guardians to take care of themselves and manage the stress that comes with caring for a reactive dog. Here are some self-care tips for reactive dog guardians:

1. Find a supportive community: Joining a support group or online community of reactive dog owners can provide a sense of understanding and validation, as well as helpful tips and advice.
2. Take a break: It's important to take a break when needed, and to not feel guilty about it. It's essential to avoid burnout and to come back to training and managing your reactive dog with a clear head.
3. Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness practices such as meditation, yoga, and deep breathing can help to reduce stress and improve overall well-being.
4. Get support: Consider working with a professional dog trainer or behaviorist who specializes in reactivity. They can provide guidance and support to help you and your dog navigate through the challenges of reactivity.
5. Prioritize self-care: Reactive dog guardians should prioritize self-care, including getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and engaging in regular physical activity.
6. Make time for fun: Reactive dog guardians should make time for fun and leisure activities to relax and unwind. This can help to reduce stress and improve overall well-being.
7. Set realistic goals: Setting realistic goals for training and managing your reactive dog can help to reduce stress and improve overall well-being.
8. Learn to manage triggers: Understanding and managing triggers that cause your dog's reactivity is key to managing the situation. It will help you to anticipate and prevent issues, and to provide a more positive environment for both you and your dog.
9. Seek professional help if necessary: If you are struggling to cope with the emotional impact of owning a reactive dog, don't hesitate to seek professional help. A therapist or counselor can provide support and strategies to help you manage the stress

Living with and caring for a reactive dog is a lot more stress than it would be for the average dog owner. It's okay to wish you had an easy dog, but ultimately these self care tips will set you up to be the best dog guardian you can be for your reactive dog.