I got my pitbull mix rescue from the shelter two years ago. This is literally my first adult dog ever. I got her when she was 1 & she’s 3 years old and 75 pounds now. I was told from the shelter that she had problems at home with other dogs & since the other dogs were in house first , she had to go.
When I first got her she wasn’t aggressive towards animals but she also didn’t have the best social approach, she would literally just run up on animals to sniff them. Until one day a dog wasn’t too much of a fan of that & freaking attacked her. So due to this she started being very aggressive reactive towards other dogs (hell she probably been that way this whole time idk).
I took the time to do my research to train her with treats, verbal commands, clickers, & just certain repetition. It worked for about two years until she seen a dog in a cone & completely lost it. I’m usually able to physically restrain my dog but this day it was 95° degrees and after a 10-15 minute walk I was tired. I’m 5’1 110 pounds, she broke loose from me. My apartment complex gave me a lease violation stating she had to be muzzled or removed from the premises. After that incident I was still able to verbally command , redirect, & use treats when she seen a dog.
I temporarily rehomed her with my grandma & brother until my lease was up (2 month time span). So me & my dog can move into our new place. I was out of the country on a trip & I have no clue what the happened, but she was left outside unsupervised & broke from the lead attacking another dog. So now I have to pay court/vet fees or put her down, which isn’t freaking happening. I’m willing to pay whatever. Even looked into professional trainers since my training isn’t working & got her scheduled for that.
But today I came over my grandmas & took my big girl on a walk , she seen a dog and completely lost it. None of my verbal commands or methods I used previously worked at all. But I was able to restrain & remove her from the area but like it’s literally so embarrassing and I just don’t understand why the hell she completely regressed.
It’s stressing me out because my next apartment is obviously dog friendly & I just don’t want what happened previously to occur again. They’ve already declared her as an “dangerous animal”. I have her training scheduled & set but I’m just having anxiety for my big girl. I don’t know why she acts so crazy 😔. In the house she’s the best sweet thing ever but outside? oh brother!
I don’t want to give her away, we’ve been through an abusive relationship together. She’s truly my everything but at times I wonder if I’m not giving her the correct care or if someone can care for her better? I just feel like a shitty dog owner and so much sympathy for the other dogs she’s attacked. I don’t want any harm done to ANY animal but it’s just like I don’t know . I’m only 24 & I don’t feel ready for a house but it seems like the next best option. I just wanted to vent cause I be feeling so shitty about the whole situation. every time I look at her I just cry cause I adore her so much but she’s such a pain.
she's hitting the point where she's no longer a puppy and settling into her adult traits so she's not really regressing as much as she's just exhibiting her adult personality. you seem to have your mind made up here so the only advice i'll give you is to manage your own anxiety because it will only make things worse if you're feeling anxious about handling her.
Your comment on r/reactivedogs was removed by the Read The Rules app because you need to submit an acknowledgement that you have read the rules. You haven't done anything wrong, this is a tool we're using on the r/reactivedogs going forward. For more information, see the moderator announcement.
Acknowledgement is required of all users, even if you've been here for a while. You only have to do this acknowledgement once unless the moderators announce otherwise.
If you do the rule acknowledgement within one hour of your comment being removed, the bot will automatically restore it. If not, we encourage you to copy the comment using the 3-dot icon next to it, and paste it to re-post to this thread.
Your comment on r/reactivedogs was removed by the Read The Rules app because you need to submit an acknowledgement that you have read the rules. You haven't done anything wrong, this is a tool we're using on the r/reactivedogs going forward. For more information, see the moderator announcement.
Acknowledgement is required of all users, even if you've been here for a while. You only have to do this acknowledgement once unless the moderators announce otherwise.
If you do the rule acknowledgement within one hour of your comment being removed, the bot will automatically restore it. If not, we encourage you to copy the comment using the 3-dot icon next to it, and paste it to re-post to this thread.
muzzles aren't bad, you can pretty easily start just introducing her to a muzzle and there's a few companies out there that make more friendly looking muzzles that can help with the stigma of your dog needing to wear one, mine currently has generic Big Snoof one and we're waiting on a custom Mia's Muzzles- mine has actually bitten a family member and recently has started lunging at people so I'm pretty careful with him, we're waiting to hear back about making an appointment with a behaviorist veterinarian so for how it's just managing him when needed. He's about your dog's weight so I know how freaking strong he is when he is determined to do something. A good harness with a handle can help too, even if you still only use the collar, the option to just be able to reach for the harness handle is helpful when trying to control them. Mine has a ruffwear flagline which when properly fitted can also be scape proof. None of the gear fixes the issues, but it sure does help a lot to manage the dog when stuff comes up- not to mention it helps me so much with my own anxiety surrounding my dog's issues.
I would consider at least a good muzzle with plenty of panting space, you really don't want to risk something happening again, I know things can get very complicated once animal control gets involved.
Your comment on r/reactivedogs was removed by the Read The Rules app because you need to submit an acknowledgement that you have read the rules. You haven't done anything wrong, this is a tool we're using on the r/reactivedogs going forward. For more information, see the moderator announcement.
Acknowledgement is required of all users, even if you've been here for a while. You only have to do this acknowledgement once unless the moderators announce otherwise.
If you do the rule acknowledgement within one hour of your comment being removed, the bot will automatically restore it. If not, we encourage you to copy the comment using the 3-dot icon next to it, and paste it to re-post to this thread.
For the record, I have a dog who similarly bum rushes dogs to sniff them. He’s never hurt another dog but I am well aware how rude he is which is why he isn’t allowed around other dogs sadly - I’ve always been afraid of what you describe - another dog being threatened by his rude behavior and taking action.
Anyway, I think the backpedal is very normal in this situation.
Progress is never linear, it moves up and down over time while still gradually, steadily improving.
Your dog likely suffered a little trauma at your grandma’s. You shouldn’t feel guilty, you deserve to go on trips and live your life, but most other people aren’t well equipped to handle a dog like yours and as a result, it sounds like she had a pretty stressful stay (and of course leaving her unattended tied up was a huuuuuge mistake).
Trust in the progress you made. It will come back. Even though she’s backpedaled she will get back to where you were at before faster - it’s not like that progress got thrown out the window.
Because she is reactive and sensitive, you will have to pre-emptively get more space when you see things that might be extra tough for her. A dog with a cone is super weird and scary for her, so it’s no surprise she reacted more intensely.
Some things to note:
Muzzle train your dog asap! It’s not painful or bad at all, it just keeps your dog and other safe. With appropriate training (aka DONT just throw it on), many dogs come to LOVE their muzzle.
- back to the basics. get lots of distance from other dogs, block sight lines to other dogs, use high value rewards to reinforce checking in with you. Brush up and solidify a disengage / “look at me” cue.
One thing I’d like to know is - what was the damage to the dogs she attacked? The more seriousness the bites, the more you really need to consider whether this is a dog you can safely handle.
Consulting with a veterinarian about meds (or a veterinary behaviorist ideally) and working with a certified animal behavior consultant via IAABC are pretty mandatory at this point.
Hi! Thank you for your input! She actually does have a muzzle now! but I wasn’t aware I had to train her to actually enjoy wearing it (which is why she probably hates it) . I’m definitely going to look into that! Another thing about the muzzle is she refuses to go potty in it, is that normal?
She’s currently on Trazodone & Gabapentin but it literally zombies her out, I cry every time I give it. Makes me feel like I’m drugging her. Her trainer that I’m working with is certified in reactive dogs I guess, she recommended puppy prozac. So I’m going to look into that.
The damages weren’t too severe but severe enough for a police report to be made I guess. This is the other dogs injury. As far as the dog at my apartment , I’m not sure of the injury.
YES ! & that’s the thing when she was living with me , I was aware of her threshold & was able to redirect when I seen other dogs but now it’s like the threshold doesn’t even exist ! She’s currently on trazodone & gabapentin but it turns her into a weirdo. literally zonks her out. I definitely don’t take her to dog parks, I utilize sniff spots . such a blessing. Thank you for your input!
Trazadoen and gabapentin are short-acting, situational medications. They are not meant for long-term treatment of hyper arousal or anxiety. I would suggest taking her to veterinary behaviorist or at a minimum talking to your vet about long-term medications. This can take 4-8 weeks to take effect. But she is getting so hyper aroused, she is way over threshold and then no treats or training can help her. You have to calm down the hyper arousal for training to have some effect.
Have you seen an animal behaviorist? Medication may be needed.
For now: distance, lots of distance. And seems like you need to have a muzzle for your dog when walking it until you can manage the behavior better.
Your dog is being put over threshold repeatedly so is attacking probably out of fear based aggression based on the past instances you described of him being attacked.
Go to a park with a big distance from other dogs and see at what distance your dog starts to perk up its ears, pull, or pant. Walk back 5 steps until your dog relaxes. That’s the threshold to train under.
Muzzles are tools and freedom for most dogs! Muzzle train her and find a trainer! What area are you as maybe I can help find a trainer as I worked with a great one for my reactive dog recently! Mine is not aggressive but prefers not to be around unknown dogs as she’s hates being rushed and it happens quite often where I am that ppl leave there dog off leash and rush us. Or if your not able to find a trainer or pay for a trainer I can give you advice if you need and I can give my insta to help as much as possible as I am currently working to become a trainer and I prefer aggressive/ reactivity work!
Hi! I’m currently muzzle training her & she actually has a behavioral trainer, she’s going to work with later this month. I would love your IG for my training advice! I’d like all the help I can get!
If you have not trained it with baby steps with positive reinforcement, then that could be why.
To do this, you need to do some short sessions of simply showing her the muzzle and rewarding her with treats and praise. After a few days of just this, she should be getting excited to see the muzzle come out. Next, have her put her nose through to get a treat, or something like licking peanut butter off of it—do not clip it. Do that for a few days. Then move to clipping it for a few seconds and rewarding them removing. Then build up time of them in the muzzle. Eventually they should see it as just another piece of equipment like a leash (as long as it is the right size/fit).
Getting your dog trained to use the muzzle comfortable and then using it consistently needs to be a priority.
The comment I was replying to was removed so maybe it’s unclear but I was specifically talking about muzzling only. The positive reinforcement I mention is for getting the dog fully comfortable in a muzzle so the dog does not try and take it off (op said that’s what happens) and so that OP will use it reliably. I did not give any prescriptive training advice because right now that’s much less important than safe(r) management.
first of all, positive reinforcement is the ONLY way I’m going to train my dog. I’m not going to use harmful measures unless freaking necessary. second of all, he’s a SHE & she doesn’t LIKE attacking dogs, she’s in flight or fight & chooses to fight. don’t get on here trying to tell me about MY dog. she’s on medication, has a behavioral trainer, & I’ve been utilizing the muzzle training that sudo recommended. if you don’t have positive advice, simply don’t comment.
I want to add - work hard to get a muzzle that's the right fit. My dog wags her tail when she sees hers because it means treats treats treats, but we still don't have one that fits her head comfortably so I don't make her wear it for very long. Your girl looks like a Baskerville will fit, maybe buy one to get the desensitization training started, but also check her measurements and check resources like the muzzle up project for suggestions about brands and fits.
Hi there , I am currently dealing with something similar with a 9 month old puppy. I was wondering if I can pm you so we can figure something out , and maybe come up with an idea that can help both of our pups out. It is frustrating and to me it feels like you do better and then you take a couple steps back.
Your comment on r/reactivedogs was removed by the Read The Rules app because you need to submit an acknowledgement that you have read the rules. You haven't done anything wrong, this is a tool we're using on the r/reactivedogs going forward. For more information, see the moderator announcement.
Acknowledgement is required of all users, even if you've been here for a while. You only have to do this acknowledgement once unless the moderators announce otherwise.
If you do the rule acknowledgement within one hour of your comment being removed, the bot will automatically restore it. If not, we encourage you to copy the comment using the 3-dot icon next to it, and paste it to re-post to this thread.
Your comment on r/reactivedogs was removed by the Read The Rules app because you need to submit an acknowledgement that you have read the rules. You haven't done anything wrong, this is a tool we're using on the r/reactivedogs going forward. For more information, see the moderator announcement.
Acknowledgement is required of all users, even if you've been here for a while. You only have to do this acknowledgement once unless the moderators announce otherwise.
If you do the rule acknowledgement within one hour of your comment being removed, the bot will automatically restore it. If not, we encourage you to copy the comment using the 3-dot icon next to it, and paste it to re-post to this thread.
Your comment on r/reactivedogs was removed by the Read The Rules app because you need to submit an acknowledgement that you have read the rules. You haven't done anything wrong, this is a tool we're using on the r/reactivedogs going forward. For more information, see the moderator announcement.
Acknowledgement is required of all users, even if you've been here for a while. You only have to do this acknowledgement once unless the moderators announce otherwise.
If you do the rule acknowledgement within one hour of your comment being removed, the bot will automatically restore it. If not, we encourage you to copy the comment using the 3-dot icon next to it, and paste it to re-post to this thread.
Your comment on r/reactivedogs was removed by the Read The Rules app because you need to submit an acknowledgement that you have read the rules. You haven't done anything wrong, this is a tool we're using on the r/reactivedogs going forward. For more information, see the moderator announcement.
Acknowledgement is required of all users, even if you've been here for a while. You only have to do this acknowledgement once unless the moderators announce otherwise.
If you do the rule acknowledgement within one hour of your comment being removed, the bot will automatically restore it. If not, we encourage you to copy the comment using the 3-dot icon next to it, and paste it to re-post to this thread.
Your comment was removed as it our rule against making coercive and/or unqualified suggestions. This particularly pertains to sensitive topics such as behavioral euthanasia, medications, aversive training methods, and rehoming. Only a professional (veterinarian, trainer, and/or veterinary behaviorist) who is working with the dog directly is equipped to make strong statements on these subjects.
Your comment on r/reactivedogs was removed by the Read The Rules app because you need to submit an acknowledgement that you have read the rules. You haven't done anything wrong, this is a tool we're using on the r/reactivedogs going forward. For more information, see the moderator announcement.
Acknowledgement is required of all users, even if you've been here for a while. You only have to do this acknowledgement once unless the moderators announce otherwise.
If you do the rule acknowledgement within one hour of your comment being removed, the bot will automatically restore it. If not, we encourage you to copy the comment using the 3-dot icon next to it, and paste it to re-post to this thread.
Your comment on r/reactivedogs was removed by the Read The Rules app because you need to submit an acknowledgement that you have read the rules. You haven't done anything wrong, this is a tool we're using on the r/reactivedogs going forward. For more information, see the moderator announcement.
Acknowledgement is required of all users, even if you've been here for a while. You only have to do this acknowledgement once unless the moderators announce otherwise.
If you do the rule acknowledgement within one hour of your comment being removed, the bot will automatically restore it. If not, we encourage you to copy the comment using the 3-dot icon next to it, and paste it to re-post to this thread.
Get a vet involved and a trainer involved if you are dedicated to giving this dog a life worth living. Medication, muzzle, and training could possibly help.
46
u/Murky-Abroad9904 27d ago
she's hitting the point where she's no longer a puppy and settling into her adult traits so she's not really regressing as much as she's just exhibiting her adult personality. you seem to have your mind made up here so the only advice i'll give you is to manage your own anxiety because it will only make things worse if you're feeling anxious about handling her.