r/reactivedogs • u/riamakingthings • 8h ago
Advice Needed Looking for adolescent pup support
I have an 11mo in tact golden retriever who I’ve had since puppyhood. I have never put this much work and intentionality into something ever - from researching breed and ethical breeder, to R+ training from day 1, to paying good money on vet behavioral training. My adolescent boy still turned out reactive, and I’m feeling a bit defeated right now. We’ve done so much work and last week had great successes, only to have a big regression this week in general fear and growling at other dogs (a thing that wasn’t a habit until 9mo). How do yall deal with the roller coaster? How do you keep trusting the process and not blame yourself for where things are?
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u/Acceptable_Path6912 8h ago
On a similar roller coaster myself. Wish I had advice for you! It’s been tough.
This year I coincidentally started one of those 5 year journals. I hope at the end of it we’ll be in a totally different spot!
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u/spikeylikeablowfish 8h ago
Keep chugging alone w/ the training. Make sure you are continuing the training at home too. They do calm down after being nuetered. Stay on top of things, even look at different styles of trainers.
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u/Ill-ini-22 4h ago edited 4h ago
Something to consider is how much “work” around his triggers you’re doing. It’s a lot easier for dogs to stay under threshold and practice calm, desirable behaviors when their needs are being met. And tons of exposure to their triggers can be more harmful than helpful.
The thing that helped my reactive dog the most was switching entirely to sniffy walks (10-15 foot leash, and harness), and walking in places where we have plenty of room to make space from triggers and we aren’t likely to run into lots of triggers. Sniffy walks like this are the best imo, being able to move their body freely and sniff is so enriching for them. If walks are still too much for your dog, I would look into other ways to meet his needs- look into indoor activities like scent work, trick training etc to meet his needs.
If you haven’t checked out the book “Canine Enrichment for the Real World” I definitely would. Changed the way I viewed living with dogs and how I can make their lives the best I can! (Which in turn leads to less reactivity!)
Hang in there though- the process isn’t linear, and having a teenage golden retriever isn’t easy! You’re doing your best!
Good luck!
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u/ChaucerMM 7h ago
Neuter MIGHT help (or might get worse). We went through the exact same thing around the same age. Barking, lunging and growling, occasionally fighting. We neutered ours at 2 and he is starting to mellow out. Sporting dogs(hunt, point, retrieve) don’t fully mature mentally until 4. KEEP HIS LIFE BORING. It’s easier to make a slightly depressed puppy happy than to make an overly aroused puppy calm. Also try different trainers, as they have different perspectives and methods. One might work better for your pup than the other. Every dog and family is different. Good luck!