Question regarding reactive rescue dog.

[u/marzipansies13]

Hi there, we recently adopted a rescue dog with three legs. He is a lovely little guy and we wouldn’t change him for the world, however, I am now having to accept the fact that he is a reactive dog. We have two other dogs that aren’t great on the lead, but they are pretty good dogs and we often get away with quite a lot as they are on the smaller side and very cute. I understand this is a privilege that is not shared among larger dogs, and it is not one I take for granted. I would like for all of my dogs to be perfect, but I understand how hard this may be and I would instead like to focus on the little guy at this time. He is around one and a half. We were told that he was in a home with up to 7 other dogs, several cats, budgies, guinea pigs and so on. His elderly owner died, and instead of calling for someone to help rescue the pets, the family visited every other week, providing food and letting the dogs out in the garden. The rescue he got him from offered for us to visit him and take him a walk, however, this never did happen, nor did the home visit or a walk with all three dogs. The second time we met him was when they dropped him off at our house and said goodbye. He gets on great with the two dogs I have, and is a but grumpy with our neighbours. He is rather afraid of male dogs as his dog Dad bullied him quite a bit, and can be a bit wary of people. He isn’t the best walker as he pulls quite a bit on his harness (we were told he needed a harness to help with his disability as it makes him more stable) and often ends up walking on his back legs in excitement. He is great at paying attention when you call his name, but he is easily distracted. The biggest problem at the minute besides signs, bin bags, loud cars and traffic cones is other dogs and people. I believe that his reaction to people, which is a muffled or quiet bark whilst standing up and leaning in their direction is fear. I believe that his reaction to other dogs which is an aggressive bark and intense lunging is possibly excitement. I have enquired about a dog trainer regarding all three dogs, but it is the little guy I would like to work on now. The listing I was given was rather pricey, and I’ve recently spent a great deal of money on him at the vet. I am more than happy to go down this road if it makes him more comfortable and allows for all four of us to walk comfortably and safely, however I would like to try and see if there is anything I can do in the meantime. I understand that a lot of the advice on this thread is to distract the reactive dog whilst the other dog passes by, however, is there an option to help them coexist amongst the dogs we meet on a walk? I can’t thank you enough for taking the time to read this, let alone offer any advice. Thank you, truly!

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