How I handle getting frustrated with my dog

This post was first written in June 2021 and last tweaked in July 2024.

I’d love to tell you I am a perfect pet guardian who lives in a delightful rosy world and never gets frustrated with my dog.

But that would be a lie.

In reality, Scout has annoyed me a lot since I brought her home (especially when her fear-based dog reactivity first emerged). I’ve felt defeated. I’ve lost my temper. I’ve done things I am not at all proud of.

It’s normal to struggle sometimes—even, and especially, in the relationships we care about most—but that doesn’t make it any easier to swallow. Here’s how I try to handle my inevitable moments of frustration to keep our dog-owner bond strong in the long run.

(You can also read more about my overall emotional growth in this article and, to be honest, the bulk of our Instagram posts.)