It’s Nice to Meet You!

Written By Susan Aceti

Welcome to Challenging Dogs Pet Care!

This months blog is about what we do: provide sitting, boarding, daycare and walking for dogs with behavior challenges.

I started Challenging Dogs in 2021 to provide services for clients whose dogs have a difficult time getting to know new people, who strongly dislike other dogs, or who have other behavior challenges. These challenges make it difficult - sometimes impossible - for these clients to use traditional pet care services. Many of them haven't been able to travel in years. For some clients, stepping outside with a dog who reacts to other dogs with intense hostility can cause profound fear and anxiety.

We work with clients before providing services to establish a trusting relationship between their dog and our staff. Sometimes it takes a few visits to do this. Sometimes it takes a LOT of visits. Regardless, our care always emphasizes preventing or reducing a dog's fear and anxiety and we never use any punishment or aversive equipment.

There is no greater satisfaction then at the culmination of a long series of visits when a formerly timid or fearful dog ventures out on a walk with one of us or is comfortable with us entering their home. My favorite part is celebrating with the client - usually with restrained tears and mouthing "Oh my God!!" so we don't scare their dog!

This blog is aimed at doing a number of things:

  • Sharing our successes and challenges to communicate helpful information to anyone who loves a reactive dog,

  • Providing practical information on anything from addressing fear to the favorite products we use, and

  • Demonstrating the ability - and resiliency - that so many dogs have to be able to live a less fearful life.

Thank you for reading!

Susan Aceti, Owner

Susan Aceti