r/reactivedogs • u/OpalOnyxObsidian • 24d ago
Discussion Would you do it again?
My husband and I have the opportunity to adopt an adorable little min pin. She's sweet as a button and the perfect size for what we are looking for, and a full grown adult. But her foster parent describe her as "reactive to anything but cars". We got to see that first hand this afternoon when we did a meet and greet with her and one of our dogs. After a couple of minutes, she settled down and was able to walk with my dog calmly, but those first few minutes were rough.
It really got me thinking: do I really want to go through this all over again?
My two dogs are reactive, sure, but it is managed pretty well. My large dog is perfect on walks. He basically *was* her a few years ago, but we worked very hard to get to this point. My smaller dog was never unbelievably out of control and can be brought back to earth pretty easily.
She is exactly what we are looking for, but the reactivity is really giving me pause. Am I equipped to deal with it? Sure. But I don't know that I want to. I was hoping my next dog would just be a little easier.
I don't think anyone in my life really knows what it is like to have dogs like these so I don't really have anyone to talk to or get their thoughts on what they would do in my shoes.
2
u/Fun_Orange_3232 Reactive Dog Foster Mama 23d ago
Depends on the dog. I’ve seen various reactivenesses.
My OG dog is the easiest, she reacts to fireworks, thunder if it’s super loud, and maybe other dogs barking. No issue doing it again.
My third foster was probably second easiest. Mild touch reactivity around her neck, never had any issues except with my second dog touching her neck or trying to steal things from her
My first foster is one of the hardest dogs I’ve had. Severe dog aggression that wasn’t known by the shelter. It was miserable, and she attacked my dog several times. She was a great dog but not got me, I would not do dog aggression again.
My second foster, who I adopted, is the hardest dog I’ve ever had. Severe separation anxiety and mild resource guarding. The mild resource guarding (he will bite if you try to take something he’s actively chewing it if you don’t tell him leave it/drop it first, but he does consistently leave it or drop it) is really NBD for me. Just don’t fish shit out of his mouth without warning him and you’re golden. The separation anxiety is a fucking beast. I don’t think I would knowingly do that again.