Need advice

[Firsttimemummy23]

Hey guys,

I have two dogs who are both a "tad" reactive. I went to the vet early to try and get their vacs done and my one girl got very upset so we didn't end up doing hers.

She is very nervous and I know I do her no justice by being worried for her and maybe mothering her more. I have to rebook the appointment please can I have some advice on how to calm her down beforehand. She's a JRT.

My other issue is that both the JRT and Collie Cross seems very reactive to dogs, I can understand my girl as she bit but the dog dog no clue where this comes from. I love them so much but I'm getting very nervous taking them out as they have pulled the pram into the road once and since then I only take out one at a time for safety reasons.

I don't want to rehome at them so any tips would be great. I really think covid screwed them over ...

Please please use the APDT or ABTC websites to find a reward based trainer near you. This is fixable, but you do need help.

You really need help, you’ll get all sorts of advice but you need a behaviorist to help you get the timing right, otherwise you’re just giving high value treats to a sacred dog

Ooh I get you! Two JRTS more than a tad reactive to each other! They were fine. One day snapped. Paid hundreds in behaviourists. got them spayed, didn’t do shit. Plug ins to chill them didn’t touch the sides. Changed diet nothing. So much time and effort but re homing one was never an option. They are better now. They have indoor leads incase they go so I have control as I’ve had some pretty deep cuts separating them.

with the vets. My vets were very understanding. I’d take them and wait in the car park until called. It helped. no meeting other dogs. Calmer for all.

a decent behaviourist will be able to assist you with a more manageable life but I’d say your determination not to re home will get you through the fucking hard days that will follow.

my two lived separately for 2 years as they’d attack on sight of each other. I write this now sandwiched in between my babies. There is hope, don’t loose it xxx

Totally agree with PPs saying to seek some advice from a rewards based professional.

On the nervous at the vet's issue we helped our JRT cross rescue dog get more comfortable at the vet by taking her there on walks, just popping in and sitting in the waiting room for a while and giving her treats. She never liked the vets but it definitely helped calm her to give her some positive associations.

I agree with the others - nobody on here should be advising you when they haven't seen your dogs and their behaviour in person.

Please get home from a properly qualified behaviourist who can come and work with you all in person. Good luck!