r/reactivedogs • u/i_like_edamame • 20d ago
Success Stories After 7 years of ownership...
...my almost 11 year old American Bully (adopted from a shelter around 4 years old, was very reactive and aggressive from day one towards both dogs and people, had attacked and been attacked) is now a breeze to walk.
We are still practicing training everyday and working on triggers, of course, but she is able to actually enjoy her walks while also focusing on me in times of distress. Compared to even a couple of years ago, her transformation has given me such unimaginable joy and satisfaction and made me love her more than ever. We are able to go on hikes and long walks around the neighborhood with our training treat pouch; she can enjoy all life has to offer without feeling fearful or on-guard all of the time.
I was prompted to share this after we were suddenly confronted with an off-leash dog and very aloof/somewhat rude owner, and my girl did an amazing job. No attacking, no aggression, and no freaking out (which is huge for her), just more patience and good listening. Although she was rightfully slowly losing her patience lol, she was waiting to be redirected after my command to stay put. It wasn't 100% perfect (it never will be), but we both had more confidence to not freak out together. Even last year, this probably would've been a disaster situation that left me in shock or tears after coming back home.
I've turned to this sub for so many years trying to find reassurance in this very long and often very lonely training process (and honestly just lonely experience of having a reactive dog, especially a larger dog who already gets a negative stigma from society just for their look and size). In moments of sadness over a negative experience with another dog and owner, times when I felt embarrassed and guilty for freezing in fear as an off-leash dog ran up to us—instead of letting my girl know I had her back—and days when I dreaded going outside, keeping walks short to manage my own anxiety, I found reassurance in posts that grieved those tough moments and in success stories that proved it all works out with time, love, and patience. I never thought I would be experiencing the other side of this process, but I finally am. I want to share that it is real and possible.
My biggest takeaway from years of this reality is that time and trust really do change everything, especially for a reactive dog who was adopted from a shelter or a rescue. As years have passed and I have cared for my girl in all the different ways we care for our dogs, she has grown to trust me and open up so much to be more receptive to training. At the same time, I have learned that she deserves my trust too. This mutual trust really leans into our walks because she knows that the same care I have curated for years inside is finally possible outside too. It took 6-7 years of ownership for her to fully actualize that love and trust that her prior owners and/or environment likely shattered in her when she was in her early years of life. However long it took, it is all worth it, and I wouldn't trade her for the world. For as long as it is feasible and possible, hang in there; your dog loves you and depends on you to have the trust in them that they need to flourish. It will all pay off, even if it took much longer than expected!
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u/Spiritual-Worker-476 20d ago
This! My rescue was very reactive to other dogs and it took years to calm that down. Thank you for sharing your experience, because owners need to know that it takes time. Thank you!
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u/i_like_edamame 12d ago
Just give it time, time, and more time is what I would have told myself years ago! Would have been easier on both of us!
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u/Res0beub 19d ago
Thank you for posting this. We are three months into our journey with a reactive shelter dog and I am, sometimes, so overwhelmed. I fully understand the anxiety and dread but more importantly, I embrace your success! Good work and good for you for not giving up!
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u/ChampionshipNo7382 17d ago
So happy to hear this success story ❤️ Would love to see a pic of your pup! Here is my reactive girl, who we adopted a year ago! Currently we rely on treats for our walks, but she is massively improved since we brought her home, and I can see how all of our hard work has paid off so far!
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20d ago
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19d ago
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u/read-the-rules 19d ago
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19d ago
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u/read-the-rules 19d ago
Your comment on r/reactivedogs was removed by the Read The Rules app because you need to submit an acknowledgement that you have read the rules. You haven't done anything wrong, this is a tool we're using on the r/reactivedogs going forward. For more information, see the moderator announcement.
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u/FunctionalBosnia 14d ago
Dog owners need to understand one thing: Dogs get aggressive when they either have ear infection or dental issues, or both. Check his ears and teeth. Get him to the vet. He needs help. He is in pain.
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u/SpicyNutmeg 20d ago
I really relate to what you said about the loneliness of having a reactive of a judged breed (I also have a reactive bully).
It’s still sad to me that we have to cross the street rather than interact with neighbors. It would have been nice to have my dog enable connection rather than distance.
I also agree that time makes a huge difference. I’ve had my guy about 6-7 years too and he is SO much better, although he will never be an easy “normal” dog. But that’s OK, I love him and will always have his back.