are we mad to get a rescue puppy who barks at other dogs,

[Mrsjay]

We have been looking for a new dog for a few weeks and have found 1 we loved he is 7 months Xcollie, he is fine with humans but doesn't seem to like other dogs, with training and classes could he be socialised to tolerate other dogs, The final decision is with me as the family want him but im a bit .

we have had expereince with dogs before and not first time owners,

[quoteunquote]

With the right guidance and a lot of input, he is only communicating his stresses, alleviate the worry and he will stop, but you do need to give him another focus,

you can easily sort that out, if you want to put the energy in, with collie in the mix I would find something for it to focus it's OCD(they all have it, you just have to turn it into a positive) on, dog agility would fill a gap and socialise the dog.

[D0oinMeCleanin]

If you are willing to put in the work and can afford the right help (behaviourist, training classes, any equipment you might need like head collars or muzzles etc) and have the time I don't see why you would be mad to consider it.

Having a dog with issues is time consuming, expensive and emotionally draining at times, but once you start seeing improvements it is so rewarding. Most dogs seem to take two steps forward and then giant leaps backwards in the early days so be prepared for an emotional rollercoaster.

Only consider it if the right rescue back up is in place - will they take the dog back if you can't cope? Do they have behaviorists you can call on? What support will they give while training?

[Mrsjay]

Thank you yes we have found An obedience class we thought we would take him there first then to agility they do agility at the same group and mine a woman I know takes her spaniel he has now moved onto the agility, my eldest daughter is keen on the training she is nearly 20 as is the rest of the family he is a lovely dog and not jumpy and I don't think its aggression just he needs as you said focus, thanks for the reassurance ,

[Mrsjay]

Only consider it if the right rescue back up is in place - will they take the dog back if you can't cope? Do they have behaviorists you can call on? What support will they give while training?

yes the rescue is supportive they have trainers and a behaviourists they did say they were only at the end of the phone, Do you think a harness or head collar would be better than a lead, ? I am just trying to get as much help and information as possible ,

[D0oinMeCleanin]

It really depends upon the dog and what sort of training you are using to stop it wrt whether a head collar or harness would be better than a regular leash. Although head collars are great for controlling the head and very helpful when training "look dog", so long as they are not used with force.

They shouldn't be used in place of training but can useful tools when training.

I would discuss a training plan with the rescue before taking him home, they know the dog best and might have already started training with him. They'll be able to advise on what tools would be best to use.

[Mrsjay]

They do a Pre adoption session doin we are in the early adoption stages so they havn't said yes yet .