Terrier and fast movement

[Plant2628]

Our small terrier mix can be startled and react to fast movement when on a lead, whether human or dog. Has anyone managed to counter condition this? We are awaiting seeing a behaviourist but I need experience to give us hope!
Secondly, relaxing with him in one spot for longer than a minute or so can trigger him to intermittently react at other dogs too.

We want to be able to travel with him etc.
He's been well socialized since a pup. This started at about 18 mths.
How can we get him to chill and relax! He's otherwise a calm dog.

Terriers have inbuilt motion sensors don't they! I have a goldie who also has a high prey drive and he would drag me all over to chase leaf/wrappers. He had little none impulse control. We did lots of work on impulse with food and toys and that seemed to do the trick.
With the dog reactivity he does sound like he is overwhelmed. I think a qualified behaviourist would be the best course of action here.

We have a jack Russell who is very nervous and is terrified of being outside around other dogs to the point of messing herself but so gentle and quiet at home and ok at the vets. She has been socialized since a puppy . She is 4 don't think lockdown helped though.

Yes, we love him but I wish he could happily stand with me at the school gate without reacting. I know it sounds awful but we thought if we socialized him well, this wouldn't happen and I was keen for a dog that did not do this but unfortunately it has turned out that way. Let's hope the behaviourist can help although seems unlikely right now....positive attitude and all that!

Sounds like a normal terrier to me

They're bred to chase things - anything that moves quickly will catch their eye and cause them to dart after it.

Reacting on lead to other dogs is also relatively normal. Think about it - they're confined by a lead and have no means of escape, and another dog they don't like the look of approaches. They can't walk away and they also can't interact "naturally" as they're restricted by us holding their lead. It's quite an unsafe position for a dog to be in really.

Saying all that, a behaviourist will be able to help but please don't feel like you've done anything wrong! It all sounds very normal, if a bit frustrating for us as humans.

Thank you, very kind post. Let's hope something can be done!