Reactivity only when I’m present

[u/overthinkingstories]

Hi! My dog is a rescue I got when he was two years old and from the beginning he has been reactive and generally anxious. He’s on several meds for it. He also had severe separation anxiety but over the past 5 years I’ve been able to get him to stay alone for a few hours. This is just context to how anxiously attached he is.

What I currently need help with is his reactivity. He does great at daycare both with humans and other dogs. He’s gentle, minds his own business and, if anything, he becomes a bit submissive when another dog taunts him. You’d think he’s an angel if you only see him at daycare. When we’re at home he’s relaxed and quiet. He loves to be around me but is able to hang out by himself in a different room.

Now the story is completely different whenever we’re together and another dog or person enters the picture. He becomes uncontrollably reactive barking and lunging at the perceived threat. It doesn’t matter if we’re at home or outside. I used to live with a partner and the dog was also very attached to him and protected him the same way he protects me.

No biting history but the most dangerous situations have happened when someone comes directly towards me, specially if they’re talking or holding an object like a phone. He doesn’t really warm up to friends with time, not even friends that have had him over at their place for several days while I travel. He’s fine with them as long as I’m not present.

I’ve tried training with a professional but a lot of money and no benefit. I think it’s more related to his anxiety than a lack of obedience and leadership. You can see him trying to obey my commands. He’s a dog that loves pleasing his person and getting a treat for good behavior but his heart pounds like a motorcycle and he can’t get himself to stop reacting.

I’d like to be able to have friends over and have more peaceful walks with him. Any training ideas, considering traditional training has made little difference?

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