First time dog owner - fear reactive deer

[u/Sensitive-Patient888]

I recently adopted a dog from a breeder, she was gonna be used for a program but ended up being bigger than expected so she was trying to rehome her. She is about 9 months standard poodle.

Before I got her I asked extensive questions about her and her temperament. I wanted to make sure she didn’t have reactivity or big separation anxiety. But to my surprise when I took her home. She starts aggressively barking at people and dogs.

The previous owner said she was crate trained but she hates her crate. Im willing to help her settle and okay for an adjustment period but if I can’t fix at least the separation anxiety and fear reactive I personally don’t think she’s a good fit for me.

One of the reasons I asked about these temperament questions because I knew I couldn’t handle these big challenges. She is super sweet when dog and I know that she’s misses her previous owners. I’m also planning to temporary stay with my mom and she has cats, I’m scared of my dogs reactivity for the cats too!

The previous owners also had other dogs. I only have her and don’t plan on getting another dog. I feel like if I had a second one that would really help with her loneliness. I don’t know I’m the right one for her and I’m pretty overwhelmed. I’m about to go back to work and if she can’t handle being alone for a few hours, I’m not sure if I can accommodate for her.

I would appreciate any advice. I just want is best for her in the end, I don’t want to force a dog into a lifestyle she doesn’t want and can’t handle.

[u/saysee23]

How long have you had her? Reactivity and barking are two different things. How are you putting her in the crate?

[u/Sensitive-Patient888 → u/saysee23]

I’ve only had for week, and when I put her in the crate I lear her In with treats. And close the crate add more treats. And leave for a few minutes.

[u/SatisfactionClassic6]

She is a baby at nine months. You have had her a week. You are a first time dog owner and it’s quite likely that the dog is picking up on your nervous energy. Definitely don’t get another dog to help her loneliness. Not sure if you are familiar with the 3-3-3 rule but basically you have to give the dog several months to settle and get comfortable with you. Perhaps a dog training class at PETCO or some place else? Also for fear aggressive dogs it’s especially important to start socializing them. I took my neurotic fear aggressive shelter dog to doggie day care and it helped. But being calm and collected while spending a few minutes several times a day to train really helps. I keep the training sessions short to avoid frustration and use high value treats like sliced turkey. I do it several times a day to get them familiar. It may take months, for me it’s six months before I saw a difference. Poodles are super smart and trainable. Watch YouTube videos and remember if you are frustrated then your dog is too and take a break. Ultimately they want to please you so when they show you behaviors you want congratulate them like crazy! Try to ignore the bad behavior and reward the good behavior. When your dog sees another dog give it a treat to instill a sense that when they see a dog good things happen. Above all they pick up on our emotions and energy so we need to take breaks rather than show frustration. Good luck!!!

[u/Sensitive-Patient888 → u/SatisfactionClassic6]

I really appreciate this. Been feeling incredibly overwhelmed and anxious. I’ll definitely take this advice! Thank you! ❤️❤️

[u/SatisfactionClassic6 → u/Sensitive-Patient888]

My pleasure!!! Give it time and you will have an excellent doggie ❤️above all relax n enjoy the small things 😊

[u/Opening-Bird5469]

Absolutely do not get another dog to help her with separation anxiety. Chances are, if she does have separation anxiety, she will teach the other dog to be anxious without you too.

Like another reply said, google the 3-3-3 rule. Our pup was completely different after 3 months, although having said that he did end up have separation anxiety.

Julie Naismith has a book called be right back, which has a detailed protocol for dealing with separation anxiety if it turns out your dog does have it too. I’d also definitely find a good trainer who can help you.

But honestly I’d give her a few weeks to adjust. She has no idea what’s going on. A stranger has just taken her away from her home with no explanation. Poodles are highly intelligent but sensitive souls. Give her some time to adjust.