31/01/2026
Over the last few weeks, I’ve had the pleasure of walking Dolly, and I just wanted to share a little update on her progress 🐶💛
Dolly has been doing all of this while being in a new place and adapting to new surroundings, new smells, new noises, and a new routine. That alone can feel like a lot for any dog, especially one who is naturally a bit wary or anxious.
When we first started, there were moments where she felt unsure and needed more time to settle into the walk. But seeing her confidence build with me has been genuinely lovely.
Now I’m seeing more of the “real Dolly” come out
More curiosity
More exploring
More “let’s go this way” energy
More relaxed moments where she’s happy to just get on with it and enjoy being out
It’s a good reminder that progress with anxious or reactive dogs is not always the same every day, and that is completely normal. Some walks will feel easier, some will feel a bit more challenging, especially when they’re still adjusting to a new environment.
🐾 A quick note on anxious or reactive dogs
How we interact with them matters just as much as the walk itself. Confidence is built through calm, consistent handling and lots of patience.
What helps most is
✅ giving them space when they need it
✅ keeping things steady and predictable
✅ letting them make choices where possible
✅ reading body language and responding early
✅ rewarding calm and building trust through repetition
Only a few more days left walking this lovely girl, so I just wanted to say how proud I am of her. She’s doing brilliantly, especially with so much change around her.
Onwards and upwards, Dolly 🌿🐾💛
Jake 🐕🐾