Reactive dog, what works?

[Crispsareafoodgroup]

I have just (9 days ago) rehomed a rescue Jack Russell girl who is 1. The rescue centre said she was tolerant of other dogs.

I didn't take her out for the first couple of days then when I did she was great for the first couple of days - no reaction to dogs just a sniff etc + happily walked with a French bulldog we met.

Then we met up with my dad who has a bouncy but friendly bigger dog. He came bounding up to us and my JRT started snarling, barking and snapping at him.
Since then she has reacted in a similar way to all dogs.

I have been reading Beverly Courtney's growly dog books and have kept her away from other dogs since (on advice from rescue centre + books) but can't keep this up indefinitely. She is very energetic and needs off lead runs for long periods but I worry for the safety of her and other dogs if I take her to places we may meet other dogs. She is the same on and off lead and also reacts if she sees a dog out of the car window etc.

Any advice would be gratefully received - I really want her to be able to enjoy walks without having to drive miles to avoid other dogs!

careforreactivedogs.com/

This works. Not overnight and it's easier if you have a friend to help but it works brilliantly

You need to desensitise/countercondition - some sessions with a good (APBC) behaviourist can help you understand how to go about this. I also recommend using an adaptil pheromone collar for a good few months and a supplement such as yucalm whilst you're going through this transition period.

A good behaviourist should only accept referrals from your vet rather than direct (as a lot of behaviour issues can be down to physical/pain issues so need ruling out first). So your vet should be first port of call - they can also kit you out with appropriate supplements etc - and they can refer you on to an appropriate clinical behaviourist. Most insurance policies cover behaviour referrals.

Ooh JigglyTuff that seems to be an excellent site, just had a poke around. I will have a proper read later, looks like it explains things throughly but simply. Will bookmark that as a useful resource for clients!

It's good isn't it? The videos are really helpful too

I second (third!) the care method. It really does work but it requires lots of dedication and one little set back can push you back to the beginning again as I discovered more than once.

I would get a behaviourist in to show you the best way to get the timing right as that's the main thing.

Thanks. I have looked on the website + will try out the suggestions. Hope it works fairly quickly. I imagined lots of social walks with her not hiding away / having to apologise every time we see a dog.