Life with a dog who doesn't like dogs

[JackNicholson]

Hello. For complicated reasons, we have taken on a 14 month old dog (smallish breed) who is a delight in most respects and has bonded beautifully with us all, but who just doesn't like other dogs. We're 100% committed to her, and can't turn back time to get her socialised better, so I just wanted to chat to people who've had dogs like this (including other rescues). She's not great with new people either, especially not in the house, but this is manageable and we're working on it. But when she's on walks, we have to keep her right away from other dogs, or she'll bark and bark. So we won't ever be able to let her off the lead.
Just wanted to chat with others who've had dogs like this... TIA

Newfluff do you mean sedation of some kind?

@Newfluff

Why does no one consider medication?

Tried all the calming sprays, collars etc but his trigger is dog which occur outside the house.

I also don’t want to sedate my dog, there is really no need. It can be managed through other ways.

Newfluff possibly because not many behaviourists recommend it, and I would speak to one of them about something like this rather than my vet?

Our rescue is animal reactive (although she's pretty good with horses in the field we sometimes walk past) although she loves people. I walk her in a yelllow warning vest and she is always muzzled and on the lead. I do the dogs =treats approach too and she's much better now 5 years on - almost no lunging or snarling. I don't walk her everyday because she can't cope with it (we luckily have a garden big enough for her to run and play in) and stick to quiet times and areas when we do go out. One of the biggest problems is other clueless dog owners who see me move away, or see her muzzle and coat and still let their dogs come up to her. I have a very thick skin and I'm not shy about politely requesting that they keep their dog away while I keep her close and stand between her and the approaching dog. Most people are sensible and I always thank them.