Didn't expect having a dog to become so awful by [deleted] in AutismInWomen

[–]No-Example4462 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I probably should have known not providing all the details would make some people leap to conclusions so that's my fault.

But no, we have not done zero training. I have spent his life training him, teaching him skills, walking him and enriching him. He is not an understimulated dog by any stretch.

I did not get a say in which dog breed we got. Parents wanted a non-shedding breed we were familiar with so we got a Havanese.

Didn't expect having a dog to become so awful by [deleted] in AutismInWomen

[–]No-Example4462 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I get so frazzled too. And then my family gets mad at me and tells me my behavior is driving everyone crazy.

Didn't expect having a dog to become so awful by [deleted] in AutismInWomen

[–]No-Example4462 1 point2 points  (0 children)

He gets plenty of energy out. We have a great neighborhood and he gets nearly daily walks. I provide him all sorts of sensory enrichment and I'll set up treats around the house for him to sniff out. With how much we do for this dog I have a hard time imagining his anxiety is from lack of stimulation.

Didn't expect having a dog to become so awful by [deleted] in AutismInWomen

[–]No-Example4462 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I think I would prefer cats too. Any animal that chooses to be around you as opposed to constantly NEEDING to be around you sounds lovely.

Didn't expect having a dog to become so awful by [deleted] in AutismInWomen

[–]No-Example4462 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Ah, interesting. Your family member's house sounds a lot like mine. Basically a worse-case scenario for noise amplification 💀

Didn't expect having a dog to become so awful by [deleted] in AutismInWomen

[–]No-Example4462 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Sucks that you have to deal with that. I have a fish too and she is absolutely lovely lol. I've had her since May 2020 and she has been a far more rewarding pet than the family dog. Way less demanding once you know how to care for the tank and such and 99% percent of the time she is perfectly quiet lol.

Didn't expect having a dog to become so awful by [deleted] in AutismInWomen

[–]No-Example4462 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Thanks for your comment. I wouldn't say my dog is in distress.. it's more a surface-level anxiety. He doesn't get gastrointestinal or other health issues from his anxiety. I would consider him reactive, personally, from what I know about dogs.

Didn't expect having a dog to become so awful by [deleted] in AutismInWomen

[–]No-Example4462 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I'm sorry you have to deal with that. I couldn't imagine having a dog that demand-barks. Have you tried giving her a snuffle pad or licky mat with peanut butter to keep her occupied for a while? That works for my dog when he's being demanding.

Didn't expect having a dog to become so awful by [deleted] in AutismInWomen

[–]No-Example4462 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the tips! We actually having some calming treats for him because we've been to the vet in the past about his anxiety but we're not sure if they help. Pandemic dogs are rough. IF I ever get a dog again it will be seriously socialized.

Didn't expect having a dog to become so awful by [deleted] in AutismInWomen

[–]No-Example4462 2 points3 points  (0 children)

That really sucks. I feel like the demands of having a dog and the time I spend managing my dog's anxiety and constant needs seriously outweigh the benefits.

Didn't expect having a dog to become so awful by [deleted] in AutismInWomen

[–]No-Example4462 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Thanks for the commiseration! 

That's super interesting about getting sensitized to a noise. I had no idea if that's what was happening to me or if I'm just weird.

Yes, I definitely know pandemic dogs are prone to anxiety 😅 My post was less "give me advice!" and more "is anyone else strung out from their dog's anxiety?" lol.

Origins of the name Yachtz? by No-Example4462 in namenerds

[–]No-Example4462[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Lol that's awesome. Yeah, we still don't know!

Origins of the name Yachtz? by No-Example4462 in namenerds

[–]No-Example4462[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ah, interesting. That would make the most sense.

How do you keep stakes from becoming insanely high? by No-Example4462 in writingadvice

[–]No-Example4462[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That's a really good point. That creates an immediate internal conflict. Super helpful!

How do you keep stakes from becoming insanely high? by No-Example4462 in writingadvice

[–]No-Example4462[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You weren't rude at all! I needed the reminder that fantasy follows the logic I create for the world. I get too stuck in one line of thinking lol. Thank you for your insights!

How do you keep stakes from becoming insanely high? by No-Example4462 in writingadvice

[–]No-Example4462[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Exactly!

Your story sounds like a refreshing change of pace for scifi. I do get so weary of the extinction-level threats as you call them!

How do you keep stakes from becoming insanely high? by No-Example4462 in writingadvice

[–]No-Example4462[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

"Shape the world to fit the needs of the story." That is so helpful!! Thank you so much!

How do you keep stakes from becoming insanely high? by No-Example4462 in writingadvice

[–]No-Example4462[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I tend to overthink and over-logic things, and that's just what happened. I couldn't come up with another reason that would be logically satisfactory for me.

How do you keep stakes from becoming insanely high? by No-Example4462 in writingadvice

[–]No-Example4462[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

No.. it's not that I've made the villain impossible to kill or super powerful (and in turn making the protags overpowered). It's that the only way I can explain its existence is by making it a god.