Reactive dog advice

[Doggydilemmas]

I have a six year old dog who has had reactivity problems since a puppy due to being attacked by a neighbours dog. However as she has gotten older the problems have gotten worse. She is reactive towards other dogs and has to be walked on a muzzle due to the number of stray dogs in our area (she has never actually bitten another dog this is just a precaution). She is reactive to loud noises which can result in toileting in the house or lunging/snapping at what the noise has come from. She isn’t always like this as she is mostly a lovely dog that’s loves a good cuddle and is good with out ddaughter. However, I am due another baby soon and I’m worried about how I’m going to manage. Dogs trust and local rescues will not accept her due to the fear reactivity she has shown in the past. Preparing for a flaming but please try and be kind in just looking for some advice

The first step is a trip to the vet to check for pain. Then, I would look at getting a behaviourist in to help you, potentially alongside medication if necessary.

Good luck - ours is reactive too and it's hard work. Sympathies!

We rescued a reactive DDog, it's really hard isn't it?

I agree with going to the Vet to check for pain.

Is DDog insured? You might be able to get some Behaviour sessions paid for.

I'm guessing though, as you say the local rescues won't take her, that you've tried most things. If you do have a baby due and you can't rehome, are you thinking of having her put to sleep?

I would love to avoid having her put to sleep as she is such a lovely dog for the most part and is as far as I am aware healthy so I’m trying to keep her as it feels like such a waste of a god dog

Please get her seen by the vet - I'd be asking for a full physical exam and then, if nothing is found, I'd want to discuss medication to help with anxiety.

It's a controversial approach with some people but honestly, some dogs (like people) just can't function normally without assistance. The medication takes the "edge" off their fear just enough so that they can learn.

What does the vet say? My dog was anxious and toileting in the house and she was given Tramazadone and it completely transformed her.

Sorry, anxiety was triggered by noises (loud and random ones!) and she calmed down on walks too- she wasn't reactive but nervous but then reactivity is often a response to anxiety/ nervousness, in her breed anyway.

A behaviourist might help with something like Behavioural Adjustment Training (BAT). The book feisty fido is good. But imo you can't cure reactivity and it is something you'll be managing forever.