20/11/2025
🐾 Pawsitive Dog Services Important Awareness Post 🦊
I don’t often share stories like this, but I feel it’s something dog owners genuinely need to be aware of.
One of my clients has an anxious dog we’ve been working hard to build up. Recently, while in her own garden, she was suddenly attacked by a fox. Had her owner not been in the kitchen and able to chase the fox off immediately…the outcome could have been far worse.
The fox punctured her skin, and although she’s physically recovering, the emotional impact on an already nervous dog is something we now have to support her through.
💛 Why am I sharing this?
Because as trainers, professionals, and dog owners, we often hear stories, but rarely do we experience these situations first hand. This is the first time in my career I’ve known it to happen directly to a client, and it’s a reminder that:
✔️ Anxious or smaller dogs can be more vulnerable
✔️ Even in their own garden, dogs still need supervision, especially at dusk and dawn
✔️ A negative incident can set back confidence work, but with patience and the right support, they can recover
💡 Training & Management Advice:
• Always supervise anxious or young dogs outside, particularly in areas with active wildlife.
• Keep garden areas well-lit and free of food waste that might attract foxes.
• If your dog has had a scare, go back a few steps in confidence building, slow, positive exposure and reassurance go a long way.
• Advocate for your dog. If something doesn’t feel right, step in.
This isn’t about creating fear, it’s about awareness, preparation, and keeping our dogs safe.
If your dog has experienced a frightening event or you’re concerned about their confidence, please reach out.
Helping dogs rebuild trust and feel secure again is exactly what we’re here for. 💛🐾
Pawsitive Dog Services
