We Don’t Run from Dogs

My start in life wasn’t great—a chain, an embedded collar. But honestly? I’ve already forgotten about that. That’s just how I am—I look on the bright side of life.

I’ve found a nice home, for now a temporary one. I’ve just got this one issue—my caretakers seem to be afraid of dogs. As soon as they see one, they start running away and drag me with them. I don’t know why. Okay, fair enough—I did attack a dog once. Well, maybe a few. But hey, I have to prove I’m strong and that I can handle them. Especially since I’m almost an Amstaff! So if my humans have a problem with dogs, I’ll just handle it for them.

But you know what? Lately, my caretakers have been letting me meet dogs at the park. At first, it was super tense, but not even a week passed and I’m already buddies with two of them. I still get a bit wound up when I see dogs from afar, but I can tell my humans are panicking less—and I think I’m starting to civilize a bit too. Wish us luck!

Young dogs often feel the need to test their strength with other dogs, and guardians sometimes get scared of that—especially if the dog is big and strong. As a result, the dog is often isolated from other dogs, which leads to frustration—they get angry because they can’t approach others. Usually, the angrier the dog gets, the more worried the guardians become, and they isolate the dog even more. And so, the cycle continues.

Breaking this pattern isn’t easy, because encounters with other dogs can be emotionally intense. But it’s worth looking for ways and safe enough conditions to gradually change those patterns—so the dog can have a real social life.

And if you’d like to help dogs who are still stuck where I used to be—neglected, starving, chained up—here’s the link to the Viva! Interventions fundraiser: Viva! Interwencje