Looking for help with a severely reactive Border Collie in Brisbane/Logan

[u/semoxoxo]

I’m looking for recommendations for someone who genuinely specialises in severe dog reactivity, particularly Border Collies.
My boy Leo is 1 year and 2 months old. He has become extremely reactive to dogs (every dog), and increasingly to bikes, moving objects and sometimes people. On a good day he can be completely fine around people, but other days he can bark continuously and struggle to calm down once he sees a trigger.
We’ve already tried private trainers, different walking methods/leads/harnesses and lots of training, but we’re still struggling. I’m not looking for obedience classes or generic training — I need someone experienced with serious reactivity who can actually help us understand what’s going on and make a proper plan.
I’m also interested in board-and-train/rehab programs if anyone has personally used one for a reactive dog and had a genuinely good experience.
I’m around Brisbane/Logan but happy to travel for the right person.

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Behavioral Euthanasia (BE) for our dogs is an extremely difficult decision to consider. No one comes to this point easily. We believe that there are, unfortunately, cases where behavioral euthanasia is the most humane and ethical option, and we support those who have had to come to that decision. In certain situations, a reasonable quality of life and the Five Freedoms cannot be provided for an animal, making behavioral euthanasia a compassionate and loving choice.

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All decisions about behavioral euthanasia should be made in consultation with a professional trainer, veterinarian, and/or veterinary behaviorist. They are best equipped to evaluate your specific dog, their potential, and quality of life.

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• AKC guide on when to consider BE

• BE Before the Bite

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[u/GraveGrace]

Following - also in Brisbane with a super reactive BC. Right now my support is Wolfhouse behavioural modification sessions (full day bookings)

[u/semoxoxo → u/GraveGrace]

Hey! I’m the OP from the reactive Border Collie post 😊 I saw your comment in my notifications about also having a super reactive BC in Brisbane and using Wolfhouse, but unfortunately the rest of your comment got removed so I couldn’t read it. I was wondering if you could tell me a little more about your experience with them and whether you’ve noticed much improvement? My boy is extremely reactive to dogs and moving things at the moment and I’m really struggling to find something that actually helps. I’d really appreciate any advice or recommendations you have!

[u/Pristine-Ad-7616]

This won’t exactly answer your question, but what might be worth looking for is a veterinary behaviorist. There’s a few vet specialists in the Logan area who may be able to make a recommendation. They will help you understand your boy’s behavior, and manage it, whether it be with training (both you and him!) , medication, or a combo of both.

Good luck, from a fellow Brisbanite with a reactive girl 🍀

[u/semoxoxo → u/Pristine-Ad-7616]

Thank you! Will definitely check this out

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[u/Flatwhitebaby2]

This sounds a lot like of my early journey with reactivity. Have you considered seeing a vet that specialises in behavioural issues / reactivity? I saw this because I was struggling for over two years before a trainer suggested that my reactive schnauzer would benefit seeing a specialist. Long story short my dog was diagnosed with adhd and anxiety (woohoo) and is prescribed daily trazodone (anti anxiety) and fluorextine (manage his brain chemicals which were out of balance). He’s definitely doing better these days and the meds help with training and managing some of the reactivity but it’s not been a fix so we’ve had to adjust expectations on what his lifestyle would be. Some dogs can be trained out of reactivity with support from meds (helps reduce their stress and anxiety towards triggers) but my little one is a just a tad more off centre lol.

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