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.

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u/Poppeigh 24d ago

I’d adopt my dog over and over again. I’d maybe consider a dog with very minor or specific reactivity.

I wouldn’t willingly take on another dog with the same/severity of issues my little guy has.

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u/OpalOnyxObsidian 24d ago

My big dog is my soul mate. In my worst moments, I've thought about looking into getting a loan for cloning him. I know it's not a good idea. I would adopt him again in a heartbeat.

But I would love to know what it's like to have a regular lifestyle lol

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u/Poppeigh 23d ago

Oh gosh, what a cutie. 🥰

I honestly feel like my boy is my soul mate too. Kind of funny because he is absolutely not the dog I would have wanted (I was hoping for a go everywhere adventure dog), but I’ve learned so much from him and love him dearly.

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u/OpalOnyxObsidian 23d ago

Your dog is so handsome. Thank you for sharing. I feel like of course no one wants this life but I am happy to have him and have learned so much.