March 21st, 2025

It's Okay..

“It’s okay!” — It’s one of the most common things I hear when I’m out walking my dogs and encounter another dog and their owner.

When I see a dog approaching, I usually call out that I have an aggressive dog, then move off the trail while watching to see if they have control of their dog.

Boston, Bella, Emma and Joy in the snow on February 14th, 2025

I clip Bella first — she’s my biggest liability — then Emma, and Rylee last. Rylee typically doesn’t wear a collar but responds quickly to a sharp “here” and stays close.

Most of the time, I can see people coming and have time to gather my dogs. But sometimes I’m too late, or they don’t have control of their dog. In those moments, I have to step up and protect my dogs.

That usually looks like recalling my girls fast, letting people know I do have an aggressive dog, and that their “It’s okay, he’s fine!” dog won’t change her mind.

Once they pass, I let my girls off again — until the next encounter.

Happy Training!

Addi and her dogs