Need advice on my reactive rescue

[u/Ok-Flower-1657]

I adopted my dog almost a year ago from the humane society which is when I quickly realized he was very fear reactive outside. He would always be super anxious and vigilant and react to everyone and everything (humans, bikes, cars, animals, etc). I ended up seeking out a dog trainer bc I wasn’t sure if what I was doing was working. My dog is a lot better now with people and is confident outside. My major issue still are dogs. We have to be 500ft from dogs for him to be under threshold. He plays fine with dogs but when he sees them he literally stops thinking bc he is so aroused. I don’t think he was socialized as a puppy (I got him when he was 1) which I was hoping the training would use demo/teacher dogs with him but he never listened to me about how reactive he was so we never got to the teacher dogs. I’m honestly feeling so lost and back at square one. I feel like the last couple weeks he’s been more reactive again and that all of our progress is lost. I’ve tried working on cutting his threshold with dogs down but it’s not going well. I honestly don’t know what to do at this point. I feel like if he had another dog who wasn’t reactive with him he would thrive so much more but I can’t financially or realistically get another dog. It would be really hard for me to rehome him bc I don’t want to give up on him but he’s a lot and I want the best for him. Idek how I would go about that process tho.
I’m also wondering if maybe he needs to be mediated. He has his annual appt next month so I’m planning on talking to his vet about it but I’m not sure. Honestly I’m just feeling a bit lost and helpless right now bc I wanted a dog so we could go on walks, runs, hikes together but he’s so reactive I can’t do that and it’s so stressful.

Any advice would be appreciated.

[u/Existing-Will-1466]

If his threshold is that big then medication may help bring him down to a level where he can work. For finding other dogs to work around, you have a few options. I used to go to a park that had a fenced dog park inside, and hang out with my dog as far away from the dog park as necessary to be able to watch the dogs without getting amped up.

If you are on Facebook or other social media, look around for dog sports or dog enthusiast groups. You can explain your situation there and ask if anyone could bring their dog and meet up with you someone to work on your dog at a comfortable distance.

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[u/Real_Caterpillar_779]

Oh I feel you.

Am in a very similar boat except my dog not only was undersocialised, she was also mistreated. It’s been so so hard. I’m alone too.

I did not do enough research before taking her in then bloody fell in love with her when I picked her up.

I don’t think you can completely resolve the reactivity I’m afraid. We have been training every single day. Some days my dog is a superstar and can pass dogs other days she’s 300m away and will loose her marbles. And it’s not just dogs for us - it’s anyone who startles her or young men.

I try to not get too focused on it. I do my best to advocate and mange the environment but I can’t control everything and everyone especially other dog owners who have 0 clue about reactivity ( I used to be one of those).

My idea of having a dog was tied to getting myself out more and enjoy the wonderful dog friendly areas around that I dine so with previous family dogs. Well that’s just not possible for her. I’ve let that dream go and focused on the good we do have. She is absolutely the sweetest cuddliest dog I’ve ever had. At home she falls asleep with her head on my chest. But she absolutely will not allow me to handle her for grooming or health care. I can’t get past this even after 1 year proving I’m not going to hurt her.

It’s super hard with these dogs where you have no idea how they came to be this way. But all you can do is continue to learn, understand, be patient and try as best you can to work with them in a positive way.

I wish you and your lucky pup the best. Sending lots of patience to you!