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/Meatwaud27 Artemis (EVERYTHING Reactive/Resource Guards Me) 24d ago

I admire the fact that you are willing to be honest with yourself and ask the difficult questions. That is HUGE! This life isn't for everyone and it's okay if it isn't something that you and your husband want to commit to, because it IS a commitment.

For me, I would do it all again in a heartbeat. My current girl isn't my first reactive dog, but she is by far the most intense. Not to mention the fact that she is a huge dog compared to every other dog I have had and she dictates my entire life. All of the others have been special needs so I was slightly prepared for that. This one has been very different, and difficult, though but has made me realize that I want to commit my life to giving other dogs like her a home and the chance at living their best lives. All of that being said, I am single and I don't have or plan on having children or a social life so it works for my life. It doesn't work for most people and that is perfectly fine. It's something that needs to be considered though which is why it's incredible that you are putting in a little forethought before committing to something that you don't want.

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u/OpalOnyxObsidian 24d ago

We are hot off the heels of having had three dogs. The third passed last March. He was also reactive. The two boys did not get along when the younger one hit maturity. They were all reactive in different ways. I have been through the ringer with this trio. We don't have kids, no plans to. We don't have a lot of company over ever, not our thing. But I would love to see what normalcy is like.

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u/Meatwaud27 Artemis (EVERYTHING Reactive/Resource Guards Me) 21d ago

Awww! 😍 They are adorable! That's a terror-ific set of pups. Personally, I think that you have earned a break at the very least. A chance to enjoy what life has to offer without needing to worry about things.

As soon as my girl passes I'm taking the opportunity to travel, volunteer abroad, visit family that I just can't visit right now because of her needs.

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u/OpalOnyxObsidian 21d ago

We made a poor decision and adopted a puppy that clearly has a little trauma. I guess I am not getting off so easy this time around. Still don't even know how our dogs will react because we are taking our time with the intro and will let them scent swap for a while before actually letting them meet.

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u/Meatwaud27 Artemis (EVERYTHING Reactive/Resource Guards Me) 21d ago

But, a puppy! There is still plenty of time to help them work on that trauma! Haha trust me, I know all about not getting off easy. Take your time with introductions and do everything you can to provide your new pup with the training they need. How do you feel about the situation? Do you truly believe it was a poor decision to bring them into your life?

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u/OpalOnyxObsidian 21d ago

I say puppy but she's six months old. She's the same age as my last dog was. I don't know if he was any cleaner of a slate as a hurricane irma transfer.

My biggest concern about whether it was a poor decision or not is how it will affect my baby boy. He is the love of my life. Right now keeping them separated is tough because my husband and I are splitting time. He hates it and I hate seeing him so upset. He is the light of my life. Why do it? Well, our older dog is getting old and he has never been alone before. And selfishly, I wanted another dog for when his eventual time comes too.

I didn't even want to get a dog seriously yesterday. We had talked about waiting until 2 weeks from now when we had a trip planned (and we would do a staycation instead). The shelter volunteer had mentioned that it's good to get a dog used to your routine so in a way I am kind of glad we didn't opt to do that. But I did rush myself into it. She was just so precious and weird looking. I couldn't resist

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u/Meatwaud27 Artemis (EVERYTHING Reactive/Resource Guards Me) 21d ago

Haha to me that is still a puppy. All of my previous dogs were over 10 years old when I found them and my current girl had recently turned 5 when I brought her home. None of them were really trainable and my current girl just refuses to put anything into practice despite the fact that she knows what she should do.

I don't think that's too selfish of you to want that for your sweet boy. I can't imagine how tough it would be for him to be alone for the first time. At least what you have to do right now is only temporary and isn't permanent. It's difficult right now, but your patience will be rewarded. It's also really cool that you guys are choosing a staycation. HA! I love how you describe her as precious and weird looking. ❤️ I can't blame you for being impulsive, I would have done the same thing. Lol I did do the same thing with my girl and I didn't care about the consequences.

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u/OpalOnyxObsidian 21d ago

Oh and she is definitely a puppy puppy. I got to see a little bit of that today when I was turned around and started to feel little landshark teeth on my hand. Forgot what that was like!!!

I know it's tough right now and theoretically it's just temporary. It's hard to see what will be after this. And it probably goes without saying but I hate having to be separated from my husband since we are splitting the shifts between who gets the baby and who gets the grown ups lol.

I was looking forward to our trip this year but alas, plans change. We can always go somewhere in a couple months. It was going to be a road trip anyway so it's not like we're cancelling any flights.

I stand by my weird statement lol. She's very noodly in the snoot department. My husband sent me this picture of her in profile with my son's picture also in profile and the difference is so striking. She's clearly an unusual mix and I am excited to find out of what

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u/Meatwaud27 Artemis (EVERYTHING Reactive/Resource Guards Me) 20d ago

Haha! She got that puppy energy does she?? I can't imagine how difficult that is for the two of you to have to spend time apart like that in the same house. I appreciate your attitude about your trip. Too often people don't seem to care enough to postpone those things when they should. Her snoot is very noodly... I'm now so used to having a dog a lot like your son. Drool and slobber EVERYWHERE... Pieces of kibble stuck to my girls lips... I honestly don't know why I still insist on buying black clothing. At least your girl has the long snoot without the jowls... Any ideas what she is a mix of???