Envious Dog Owner
Hey everyone, I'm sure what I am sharing is not a unique experience, but I just wanted to share some of my thoughts with this community. I have a 2 year old golden lab mix that I got as a puppy who has been on fluoxetine for fear based anxiety of people for the past 13 months. He started having reactivity at around 7 months which I thought was just a fear period, but after 3-4 months of constant fear and reactivity, I knew it was time to go to the vet. I know before getting a puppy you're not supposed to set expectations for your dog as they may not turn out exactly how you want them to act, as many dogs have their own personalities, but I thought I did everything right. Crate training, distant socialization, trusted meet and greets with dogs and people, basic obedience small group training, etc. and he still turned out to be reactive. He is my first dog and I am so envious of the experiences other people get to have by bringing their dog out in public. I live in a metro area and all I wanted when I got a dog was to take him on my hot girl walks to the coffee shop, or dog friendly patios, etc and I cannot do that. I feel so bad that his world is so driven by fear and envious that I don't get to bring him where I want to because of his anxiety. After working with a veterinary behaviourist and multiple trainers, I know it's not my fault and nothing I did caused this, but there is still so much guilt and envy that I feel. His life is still so fulfilling and his needs are met, but I selfishly wish he wasn't reactive so I would get to experience all the things I hoped I could when I got my first dog.