To The Proactive Owners Of Reactive Dogs

[Scottsmum]

Seriously.

Scottie and I went back to "dog school" (obedience) today. I've talked here before about how hard it is to find a good casual class for pets - not puppy school, not hard core competition obedience - just casual manners and some mental stimulation. So I put the feelers out almost immediately when we got to NZ and finally found one who offers one on one classes, puppy school and a few other things. We chatted and agreed that her publicly offered classes weren't quite right for us - so she said I could come along and try group class for reactive dogs - on the understanding that they were all dog reactive.

Woah.

It was great. It's just what I was looking for but holy shiz. There were 6 others plus us in the class - one in a muzzle, all in haltis and other forms of restraint beyond flat collars and one so reactive it doesn't actually join the class - it just lurks on the edge of the arena. Hubby came with me today and sat in the car and he commented that it was really full on even from the other side of the car park. (Obviously this is an over simplified view of the whole situation and all these dogs have "graduated" to being able to work in a reasonable proximity to other dogs - no one but the trainer went closer than 10 meters to another dog/handler combo).

My overwhelming thoughts were a mix of I'm embarrassed scottie is being so good - they must wonder why I'm here, good on these guys for being proactive, it must be f'ing hard work to live with dogs like this! Lots of F this must be hard bloody work all. the. time.

I'm not trying to brag about scottie - he has his bad moments and he's far from a poster boy for manners - he has a touch of the little dog syndrome and naughtyness at times - which I don't encourage - but never having owned a reactive dog I had just no idea.

Anyhow - to the owners of DA dogs - I tip my hat to you!

[karen15]

I hate dogs rushing up. Had some rush my staffy at the beach once. Their owner goes, but you're dog looks ok. I very quickly replied it's not my dog you've got to worry about, it's me. Dogs were quickly removed. Any off lead dogs that come near me get loud angry voice telling them to p**s off. Makes it very clear to their imbecilic owners that not everyone appreciates their off lead mutts. My dogs go to off lead park, which is fine, and they love playing with the other dogs. I call it baby park, as it's for puppies and small dogs only. Given white fluffies are pretty much dog bait, I like to keep them safe. So I get really ticked off being accosted by off lead dogs in the car park. So much so I've asked council to watch and ticket dogs off lead.

My staffy got attacked by a wolfhound on one of our walks, which is why I'm so paranoid about loose dogs. Totally out of the blue and unprovoked. Luckily he didn't become dog shy, quite possibly because I'd spent years ensuring he was well socialised. I fully understand that naturally nervous dogs may not be as resilient as my guy was.

Edited January 9, 2016 by karen15

[YippeeGirl]

Our 'middle' bitch is dog reactive. She's terrified of other dogs, but her response is to behave aggressively towards them. It's even worse if the other dog reacts to her. Once the dog is past, she either tries to climb into my skin, or tries to bolt in the opposite direction.

We've always had dogs, and I've never had a dog like this before. Personally, I really hope I never have another dog like this again. Just a walk around the block can be a challenge, as you always have to be vigilant. Going to the vet's is a nightmare. We don't even attempt to sit in the waiting room with her.

I'm embarrassed every time she has a meltdown in public. I feel it just reaffirms the idea that German Shepherds are an 'aggressive' breed, and I'm sure a lot of dog owners look down their noses at me for my failure to control my dog.

It's just hard when you put so much work into a dog and they still have issues, and then you have these people that put in no work at all, and they've just been fortunate to get a naturally good-natured dog.

[Agility Dogs]

I completely agree - anyone who spends the time and energy working with a reactive dog deserves a big pat on the back. Until you've had/lived with a reactive dog and had to deal with the issues they present it's very difficult to understand what it's like and that even little things can tip them over the edge.

Really pleased you've found such a positive (NOT talking about training methods, just the attitude) of the group and your boy is very lucky to have you.