Possible rescue reactive on a lead.

[Corgiowner]

I’m asking on behalf of some friends. They are looking at rescuing a young JR/JR cross he has lots of positives for them and they are slightly smitten he’s a loving little chap full of fun but he can bark/growl/snap at dogs who approach him when he’s on the lead.Their favourite place to walk is fairly remote compared to many I.e not a busy urban park so not heaving in dogs but it is a popular place for locals to walk their dogs.
The rescue think it’s resolvable and they would happily pay for a behaviourist and put the time in.
Secondly they are young mid twenties no plans for children at present but in5+ years this will change the dog has not been tried with children. Would this worry you?
They want to be absolutely sure that they can offer the best permanent home for the dog.

If they want kids in a few years they absolutely should not be looking at getting a rescue that is untested with children. Even dogs that like children, and are generally balanced and happy individuals with no issues, can be difficult around children - let alone babies. It’s why lots of breeders and rescues don’t give dogs to people with young children.

And the rescue thinking the reactivity is resolvable is just bonkers - unless he living in a home, and not kennels, they have no idea how he’ll act once he’s settled in a home. He could be even worse. Even if he is in a foster situation, he may behave very differently once he’s settled. Issues like this aren’t ‘resolved’ they are ‘managed’ and there are always risks…

It’s great they want to adopt, but I don’t think a dog with behavioural issues that is untested around children is a wise idea if they want to start a family in a few years

Thank you.
Should just add he is in a foster home and is fine with dogs off the lead who he’s introduced too away from his home in the first instance.
Interesting your comment about children.

I had a cocker spaniel from a puppy. When he was young and on lead, he was attacked by four off lead dogs and became fear reactive. Every walk for the next 13 years was stressful. We were constantly scanning the distance, looking for other dogs so we could avoid them. I worked with trainers and behaviourists for years, but we only ever got to not reacting at a safe distance. He could never get close to another dog without kicking off. And by close, I mean 50 yards.
I would never knowingly take on a reactive dog again. It ruins what should be a joyful experience.