Reactive Dogs - A poem

My human grabs my treats, my harness, & my lead.
We're off for a walk - so many pee-mails to read!

I'm a little excited and I start to pull ahead.
Stretching my legs before heading back to bed.

Leaving the house should be so much fun.
But I'm always so nervous of every one.

The people we see will have dogs of their own.
And I just know that my human will moan.

I want to be good - I wish I wasn't scared.
I wish my human helped me & showed me she cared.

I see a dog ahead of me and my fear starts to explode.
Boiling & bubbling from right across the road.

I'm not being naughty. I can't help feeling this way.
But my human will shout at me, "Be quiet & STAY!!"

I can't do a "stay" when I'm so engulfed with fear.
I must bark loudly and make sure he can hear!

The dog is getting closer and I can't move away.
I know what is coming if I dare to disobey ....

A yank on my lead & a tug on my neck.
A scream in my face - I'm a nervous wreck!

If only my human could understand why.
I'm not the kind of dog that wants to say, "HI"

I don't HAVE to be friends with all the dogs we meet.
And if I'm perfectly honest, I'd rather not greet!

Just move me away and give me some space.
I don't want these dogs running into my face.

And if you don't listen, you'll leave me no choice,
but to lunge & bark & use my voice.

Move me away and I'll start to feel better.
Give me some training - I'll follow it to the letter.

You see, once I'm already in that terrible state.
Its almost impossible to learn or to concentrate.

But if we start wide my brain will relax.
And my emotions will no longer be pushed to the max.

Please help me, human. I want to enjoy,
going for walks & be your best boy.

I can't do it without you and I need your help.
Train me with kindness - don't make me yelp.

Maybe tomorrow we could have a day at home?
No stress for you - and I'll just nibble my bone!

I know you can help me - we're a team, you & me.
Now, pick up my poop and lets go home for tea!

Signed,
Your reactive dog xx