06/07/2025
⭐️Dutch: The Dog Who Taught Me to Stay One Step Ahead
This is Dutch. He’s not social. Not with people. Not with dogs.
And he never will be.
Dutch is genetically wired to be antisocial — even aggressive — and that’s something training doesn’t fix. It manages. But what training has done is help him gain clarity, trust, and control. He no longer reacts on impulse. He trusts me to guide him, and he respects people — as long as they respect his space.
Despite everything, Dutch is an incredible dog — loyal, intense, clear in what he needs, and always giving me 100% when it matters. But owning a dog like him is not easy.
⚠️ What if someone ignores the warning signs?
⚠️ What if an off-lead dog charges him?
⚠️ What if I let my guard down for one second?
These thoughts never leave me. I’m always scanning our environment, planning every outing, never truly relaxed. Not because I don’t trust my training — but because I respect his genetics.
Some truths:
• Genetic aggression isn’t trained out — only controlled.
• Frustration when prevented from reacting can be redirected dangerously.
• You can’t take these dogs just anywhere — the world isn’t always safe for them.
• Constant environmental risk assessment is mentally exhausting.
• It can be isolating.
But here’s the other side of it…
👉 It can be managed.
👉 You can train a dog like this to feel safe and make better choices.
👉 You can get out, go places, and live a life with them — it just takes more thought, more SKILL, and more responsibility.
To anyone struggling with a dog like Dutch — you’re not alone. It’s hard, but with the right training, structure, and mindset, it is possible. Keep going. You’re doing more than most ever will. 💪🐾
One last thought… this isn’t “just reactivity.” Reactivity can be fixed. This is something deeper — something built in. It’s not for everyone. It’s not easy. (So don’t beat yourselves up!)
This is part of who Dutch is. And I chose to do right by him.
Need help? DM me.
