Is Your Imagination Thwarting Your Progress?
I was recently working with a client whose dog, Biggie can be reactive toward other dogs on leash. They’ve become such a dream team over the past year and have made incredible progress.
During a recent session, a large dog came into view—shortly followed by another very excitable dog. Both dogs met and brought a lot of energy into the space. Biggie- watching the dogs, did well at first, but when his mum cued him to move, he got stuck. He was still focused on the dogs and then started to pull toward them, hitting his threshold- we needed space!
We debriefed after and talked about how next time we’ll help him get distance before he starts pulling. Overall, he recovered beautifully. But my client, looking a little strained, asked:
“What do you think he would do if he actually got to the dogs? I’m worried he would attack them… how can I know?”
It was a totally valid concern—and one I hear often.
We talked through it:
- Her dog is always safely on leash and in a secure harness.
- He has doggy friends, attends dog daycare, and does well.
- They’ve both built new skills—like emergency U-turns and flight cues.
- And from what we’ve observed, he’s much more likely to charge, bark, and then retreat—not initiate an attack.
So I told her, "“You’re doing all the right things… but your imagination may be causing more stress than is necessary.” 😅
We both laughed—but we also knew it was true.
🧠 The “What If” Spiral
I get it. I do this too—especially with my own dog, Rory. Granted, we have had some real concerns in the past. But we’ve grown, we have more tools, and we’re better prepared.
And when a new “what if” pops up, I allow it space. Then I make a plan: maybe we refresh an old skill, tighten up management, or prep something new.
But—here’s the key takeaway—once you’ve created your contingency plan, you need to come back to the present. Don’t let your imagination steal the peace you and your dog have worked so hard for.
🐾 Your Dog Might Be Recovering Faster Than You
In this session, my client’s dog recovered in seconds. It was a huge win. But because her mind was busy replaying and catastrophizing the moment, she wasn’t able to celebrate or reset with her dog.
That mismatch—where our dogs are calm but we’re still spiraling—can actually increase stress and reactivity in future moments.
💛 Here’s What You Can Try:
Next time your mind jumps to a “what if” —pause and reflect:
- What’s true? What’s your dog’s history, current behavior, and actual risk?
- What’s prepared? What plans or skills do you have in place already?
- What’s imagined? What story is your anxiety writing that may not be accurate?
You are allowed to be cautious and thoughtful without letting fear run the show.
And if your imagination is as vivid (and mischievous!) as mine, and you’d like a compassionate sounding board to help you sort real risk from mental noise—I’d love to work with you.
You're not alone. And you and your dog are probably doing better than you think. 💛