What am I supposed to do.

[TheBodyPiercer]

So I'm being brave and posting here so please try your best not to slaughter me.

We rescued a dog early last year & have been doing everything we are supposed to but I'm at a loss as to what to do.

We need to put him in daycare 2 days per week due to work, but he's been kicked out of 2 already and refused from others. We cannot for the life of us find a dog walker/sitter in our area as they're either fully booked or can only do 1 hour a day.

He's reactive to other dogs when on lead, pulls like a train etc. He isn't aggressive to other dogs but is so boisterous and doesn't take social cues from other dogs.

We've worked with 2 trainers and 1 behaviourist as well as doing our own research and he just isn't progressing.

We currently use a long line and clicker train when he behaves appropriately but honestly it's taking over my life.

I've messaged 100's of walkers, trainers etc and I'm just getting no where. We're spending the money and putting in the effort but I really don't know what to try next.

I've already reduced my hours and short of quitting work completely I'm stumped!

He's an angel in the house and I absolutely adore him and just want him to have a good life. I don't even know if I'm asking for advice or just venting!

It is hard finding care and support for "lively" dogs.

I am concerned with the trainers and behavriourists you are using if you have seen no progress at all since last year. A good behaviourist should also be able to support you in ways to help re sitters etc.

There will be some walkers who specialise in reactive dogs - I knwo several in my area and often they have their own land to walk on. They are hard to find but will be out there. Unfortunately you may need to pay more if they just have your dog 121.

What breed is he? - you may find help via his breed as people prefer to work with dogs they know.

Can you also go back to the rescue and ask them - they may have fosters or volunteers who knew him whilst he was in rescue and would be able to help you.

I'll have him!

@PollyRoulson

It is hard finding care and support for "lively" dogs.

I am concerned with the trainers and behavriourists you are using if you have seen no progress at all since last year. A good behaviourist should also be able to support you in ways to help re sitters etc.

There will be some walkers who specialise in reactive dogs - I knwo several in my area and often they have their own land to walk on. They are hard to find but will be out there. Unfortunately you may need to pay more if they just have your dog 121.

What breed is he? - you may find help via his breed as people prefer to work with dogs they know.

Can you also go back to the rescue and ask them - they may have fosters or volunteers who knew him whilst he was in rescue and would be able to help you.

I'll have him!

It's definitely difficult but I'm not going to give up. I'm just sick of endless hours googling.

The current trainer we have seen some progress with but they have now recommended a more specialist behaviourist. I went to see one yesterday and after seeing my dog for approximately 90 seconds they said a prong & e collar was the way to go so that's a none starter!

Unfortunately it seems every Walker I find is fully booked or just doesn't want him. I'm willing to pay whatever is needed but there just doesn't seem to be the availability. We do currently have a walker but I can tell she's getting fed up of being taken for a walk by him.

He's an English bull terrier, sadly the rescue have been no use at all and are from out of the area anyway.

It is very difficult to find care for a dog like your describe - and I say that as a dog walker myself, and unfortunately, it comes down to money for most people.

Walking a dog that pulls and has reactivity issues is tough - more so if you only have them one or twice a week, in fact, as you're not there everyday to work with them and reinforce the behaviour you want. And I hate to say it, but it's also (for many walkers) not worth the stress.

You need to find a walker or sitter that specialises in reactive dogs - they are out there but you'll either need to travel and/or pay a fair premium for their services. What area are you in? Maybe we could recommend someone for you?

However as Polly says, it concerns me that you've worked with behaviourists and trainers for over a year and don't feel as though you've seen any progress. Are they registered with the appropriate associations?

Does he need to go out during the day with someone else? Would a walk with you before and after work be sufficient and ultimately happier for him and you?

Seeing as you've been working with trainers etc. for a long time with very little improvement, my first thought were that either
a) you've got a crap trainer, and / or
b) you're not applying the techniques very effectively

Then I read this
The current trainer we have seen some progress with but they have now recommended a more specialist behaviourist. I went to see one yesterday and after seeing my dog for approximately 90 seconds they said a prong & e collar was the way to go so that's a none starter!
... and it confirmed you've got a crap trainer. A good one would never have referred you to that behaviourist - and I'm so, SO glad you had the sense to refuse a prong / e-collar (note: E-collars aka shock collars are now illegal in England and Wales, so if you're there, he should be reported).

To find a good, properly qualified, positive reinforcement trainer, I'd recommend an APDT qualified one
apdt.co.uk/find-a-trainer/
Failing that, IMDT www.imdt.uk.com/find-a-qualified-imdt-trainer

For behaviourists, the relevant qualifications are APBC and CCAB, though as it sounds like you've had a crap trainer I'd go with an APDT / IMDT trainer for now.

PS from what you've said about him being reactive on lead, but ultimately a bit overfriendly / boisterous with other dogs, it's likely that he's more of a frustrated greeter than actually reactive.

Hi everyone, we're more than happy paying/travelling that's not an issue.

No he doesn't need to go out with the walker, she walks him for an hour and sits with him for an hour but yes it might be an idea to stop the walks when with her.

Our current trainer we've probably had around 4 sessions with & there has been some improvement but he's still difficult to handle, hes highly recommended and accredited. He's the one who has recommended trying to find a behaviourist with a calm well mannered dog so that we can work on calm introductions and more focused situations without relying on other people being able to control their dogs.

I'm just venting more than anything I think after he got kicked out of daycare last week. No aggression but they said they just darent look away for a second as he's so boisterous.

I live in the black country but work in Birmingham.

@LadyWhistledownsQuill

Seeing as you've been working with trainers etc. for a long time with very little improvement, my first thought were that either a) you've got a crap trainer, and / or b) you're not applying the techniques very effectively

Then I read this
The current trainer we have seen some progress with but they have now recommended a more specialist behaviourist. I went to see one yesterday and after seeing my dog for approximately 90 seconds they said a prong & e collar was the way to go so that's a none starter!
... and it confirmed you've got a crap trainer. A good one would never have referred you to that behaviourist - and I'm so, SO glad you had the sense to refuse a prong / e-collar (note: E-collars aka shock collars are now illegal in England and Wales, so if you're there, he should be reported).

To find a good, properly qualified, positive reinforcement trainer, I'd recommend an APDT qualified one
apdt.co.uk/find-a-trainer/
Failing that, IMDT www.imdt.uk.com/find-a-qualified-imdt-trainer

For behaviourists, the relevant qualifications are APBC and CCAB, though as it sounds like you've had a crap trainer I'd go with an APDT / IMDT trainer for now.

PS from what you've said about him being reactive on lead, but ultimately a bit overfriendly / boisterous with other dogs, it's likely that he's more of a frustrated greeter than actually reactive.

Sorry just to clarify that was not a behaviourist my trainer recommended.

That was one I found myself as I was looking online. I'm currently on a waiting list for an assessment with the one he recommends who only uses positive reinforcement.

Our current trainer doesn't advocate prongs etc. With him we've been using the long line, distance training, rewards etc.

No he doesn't need to go out with the walker, she walks him for an hour and sits with him for an hour but yes it might be an idea to stop the walks when with her.

I think if he doesn't need the walk, it may be less stressful for everyone (including him) to cancel it altogether and just ask her to sit with him for a while. Or, could she pop in twice through the day to let him out the toilet and give him some company? I do this for an old dog of mine who needs frequent toilet breaks due to his health conditions.

He gets a 15-20 minute potter to go to the toilet and stretch his legs, then 10-15 minutes at home where we play tug, I give him some treats and a fuss and settle him back down again.

Would that perhaps be an option? It breaks up the day a little bit more than just one break at midday, and it would be less stressful for the dog and the walker too.

Have you tried a halti harness that goes around the nose. It's not cruel it's very soft fabric but impossible for the dog to pull we couldn't walk our dog without it Maybe if you can sort the pulling out you would find it easier to get a Walker

@cupsofcoffee

Yes I'll speak to the walker and advise her to just sit with him instead, at least then I'll know his walks are consistent.

@skyla2005 we haven't tried a halti; we did use a front clip harness at one point to no avail

Have a look at the book "when pigs fly".
We had an EBT and he was exactly the same. He was so over enthusiastic and just didn't read the signals from other dogs at all. He was never aggressive but just so boisterous and didn't realise his own strength. He did settle down but only when he got quite a bit older and I found my friends dog would tolerate him and tell him off if he got to excited. We managed to walk with them once a week so he got his playtime with other dogs which helped a bit.
He was like a toddler trapped in a dog's body. You couldn't turn your back for a minute.
Sadly he died just before Christmas and we miss him like mad.
Good luck.

@Skyla2005

Have you tried a halti harness that goes around the nose. It's not cruel it's very soft fabric but impossible for the dog to pull we couldn't walk our dog without it Maybe if you can sort the pulling out you would find it easier to get a Walker

My dog can still pull with a Halti. He flicks his head to one side, then flicks it to the other to create the tension he needs. Clever dog! But he's much better on the Halti than a chest clip.

We have a reactive dog and she comes to the house and plays with her in the garden for an hour- would that be an option?

Definitely have the walker you currently have play with him in the garden etc (if you have one). The main thing is to get a bit of company and exercise.
Absolute Dogs are great for advice and the linked NBN Dogs facebook group is great to chat/vent/get advice on difficult dogs, ditching the walk is a common tip, if its stressful its better to not do it tbh, or at least have a break.

Have you tried The Dogfather? Supposedly best trainer in UK, also has various online stuff

@PAW326

Have a look at the book "when pigs fly". We had an EBT and he was exactly the same. He was so over enthusiastic and just didn't read the signals from other dogs at all. He was never aggressive but just so boisterous and didn't realise his own strength. He did settle down but only when he got quite a bit older and I found my friends dog would tolerate him and tell him off if he got to excited. We managed to walk with them once a week so he got his playtime with other dogs which helped a bit. He was like a toddler trapped in a dog's body. You couldn't turn your back for a minute. Sadly he died just before Christmas and we miss him like mad. Good luck.

Just purchased the book thank you!

Yes that sounds exactly like my maniac. Interestingly he has gone on walks fine with a couple of chihuahuas and a dog hating beagle without to much incidence, tried with a lab and it was a nightmare for everyone involved.

Sorry to hear of your loss.

@TheBodyPiercer
I have a rescue 3 year old giant greyhound and he is exactly the same

He's absolutely adorable and loveable and so excited all the time when out because he's learning and taking everything in still.

He was trained from 12 months to 2.5 years old and ran two races before the trainers decided he was no good as a racer because he would just leg it with excitement after the other dogs

Needless to say it's just like a lovely toddler on a lead

We have a strong double click harness and lead designed for strong racer etc type dogs and the difference without it is massive.
We took him out once with just a lead and collar and I would never do it again

My other greyhounds trot lovely enjoying a walk while he's spinning around and trying to lurch at every dog he spots to say hello.

We are still working on it but what I find has worked is the double click harness and lead as I can feel his energy change every time we are near another dog so it gives me control and I have a bag of hot dogs chopped up in my pocket.

When we are getting near the other dog and he starts to zone in on them I tap him on the side while shortening his lead and holding some hot dog in my hand
He smells it instantly and it distracts him so the other dog walks by fine.

If at any point he doesn't stop when I tap his side he doesn't get any hot dog at all.
Il also give him some when he manages to contain himself to walk by without too much attention.

It's taken me ages with this dog compared to all the other rescues and fosters I've had but it's getting better.

If he has multiple walkers trainers daycare and you trying to train him there's no way you will all be teaching him the same thing so he's just getting confused.

My boys 38 kg of pure muscle and I'm a 5ft 2 in small build so being pulled along is no fun

[quote wtfisgoingonhere21]@TheBodyPiercer
I have a rescue 3 year old giant greyhound and he is exactly the same

He's absolutely adorable and loveable and so excited all the time when out because he's learning and taking everything in still.

He was trained from 12 months to 2.5 years old and ran two races before the trainers decided he was no good as a racer because he would just leg it with excitement after the other dogs

Needless to say it's just like a lovely toddler on a lead

We have a strong double click harness and lead designed for strong racer etc type dogs and the difference without it is massive.
We took him out once with just a lead and collar and I would never do it again

My other greyhounds trot lovely enjoying a walk while he's spinning around and trying to lurch at every dog he spots to say hello.

We are still working on it but what I find has worked is the double click harness and lead as I can feel his energy change every time we are near another dog so it gives me control and I have a bag of hot dogs chopped up in my pocket.

When we are getting near the other dog and he starts to zone in on them I tap him on the side while shortening his lead and holding some hot dog in my hand
He smells it instantly and it distracts him so the other dog walks by fine.

If at any point he doesn't stop when I tap his side he doesn't get any hot dog at all.
Il also give him some when he manages to contain himself to walk by without too much attention.

It's taken me ages with this dog compared to all the other rescues and fosters I've had but it's getting better.

If he has multiple walkers trainers daycare and you trying to train him there's no way you will all be teaching him the same thing so he's just getting confused.

My boys 38 kg of pure muscle and I'm a 5ft 2 in small build so being pulled along is no fun [/quote]
Yup sounds similar, unfortunately because of his breed we often don't get much understanding.

He's out of daycare now, who in all fairness he walked very well for! I'm going to get the dog Walker to stop the walking part & just do so myself for the time being.

We're attempting agility training this week which will be a sight to behold but I've been advised it may help with his general obedience so it's worth a shot.

Forgive me if already suggested but maybe an EBT fb support page will be good for you to try they are a stubborn breed I've heard, I have an English bulldog who has select deafness 😉🙄

Have you tried contacting boarding kennels? So he'd have his own kennel and not be directly in physical contact with other dogs? Our local boarding kennel lets us use it as a day care when we need it. He has his own kennel and is let out to exercise without other dogs. It doesn't advertise as doing day care, I phoned and asked if it was something they could help us with.

When I was younger my best friends family rescued a large dog that had bags of energy and reacted to other dogs but he was affectionate and gentle with children. I know they had a trainer but in the end they found taking it for 3-4 mile brisk walks every morning early before other dogs were around much helped him. Also they introduced him to an old dog that was so placid it slept most of the time. After school my friend and I took him in a field near to where they lived and threw ball for him for 20 mins. At night he had another long brisk walk to wear him out. Also he liked the TV left on for him if they had to go out.

Just thought I'd update for anyone interested.

So he's no longer in daycare, his dog walker will no longer be walking him.
We've booked in with a behaviourist but no availability until July. He's starting agility this week to hopefully improve his general focus.

Fingers crossed we'll see some improvement going forward.

Agility should be helpful if he's full of energy, great idea!
I wanted to suggest a walking hack I'd never heard before, that massively helped with my leash puller. A two leash system, one on a back harness for control. Then another leash on his collar, take that one and thread the leash through the front legs, so when he pulls, it pulls his head down. It looks a bit daft I'll admit, but we tried every harness/halti on the market, this was the only thing that worked.

With lead pulling, I found if my dog persisted in spite of all training techniques id simply turn round and go home. Even if we were only at the end of the drive. He'd be told No everytime and if we were out id make him sit each time first but having his walks cut short did finally seem to get through to him.

@PAW326

Have a look at the book "when pigs fly". We had an EBT and he was exactly the same. He was so over enthusiastic and just didn't read the signals from other dogs at all. He was never aggressive but just so boisterous and didn't realise his own strength. He did settle down but only when he got quite a bit older and I found my friends dog would tolerate him and tell him off if he got to excited. We managed to walk with them once a week so he got his playtime with other dogs which helped a bit. He was like a toddler trapped in a dog's body. You couldn't turn your back for a minute. Sadly he died just before Christmas and we miss him like mad. Good luck.

Back again to say I started reading this book this evening & it's like it was written about my dog!

Looking forward to trying the techniques out.