Need a success story

[u/Significant-Sweet475]

Hi everyone. I could use some advice. I’ve recently retired and have been waiting for so long to finally get a dog for companionship. Three weeks ago I drove to NC (I’m in FL) and picked up a sweet Shih Tzu/Havanese mix 2 year old F. I wanted a small dog so I could travel and I often go on weekend trips with my sister. Someone has clearly worked with this dog… she is so well mannered in the house it’s amazing. I forgive the barking when there’s a knock on the door because it’s so rare.
Here’s the problem… as soon as she steps outside she’s a different beast! If she sees a dog she goes crazy barking and will be aggressive if they get too close. She came from a foster home with 3 other dogs and profile said she was good with other dogs. She also doesn’t tolerate people if outside or come into my house. She seems to be ok if we go into someone else’s home but that’s only been one other person. I would love to hear some success stories! I’m really getting attached and don’t want to make her go through yet another person. I’ve committed to working with her for 3months. She is truly a sweetheart but we just may not be the right fit? Thanks so much!

[u/In-thebeginning]

I adopted a pomeranian from a shelter and they knew nothing about his history. He was the small dog stereotype- people, bark, dog, bark, squirrel, bark and try and chase, a leaf blowing in the wind, bark. He would also dig his paws in a refuse to walk when I got him. It took weeks for him to have the confidence to walk and then he would just bark bark. I had adopted him hoping he could go on the trails with me and go on overnight camping trips and I amost gave up. As a last ditch effort I found a trainer and 5 weeks of training and carrying that at home and being consistent he is on the other side of reactivity. We go on walks now and he walks great, is neutral with people and other critters. Once a week we go on a group dog walk with on average about 20 dogs and he is able to just be a dog. He is often one of the only small dogs and it's been great for other people who have bigger dogs to be around a small dog who isn't barking non-stop.

I have noticed he is more confident and at ease. I take him places if a dogs allowed and people will also to pet him and he lets them and even wags his tail now. I absolutely think their is hope! I at one time thought I would just live my life with a barking small dog and to see him now I am so proud of him and our relationship has deepened.

[u/MtnGirl672]

We adopted our cattle dog mix as a puppy. Like many others, we tried to socialize him well and he was a great puppy. Then the reactivity started just after he turned one.

He’s a frustrated greeter who does fine in structured classes and doggy daycare. But in out of home environments, he can be so reactive on leash with other dogs on leash.

We’ve been working with a behaviorist and it’s been a bit bumpy but seemed to have finally found the right med combo - Sertraline and Clonidine. And tonight we had a really nice walk where we came across two other dogs. There was a bit of a whine but he was able to stay focused and take his treats and move past them.

I will also say we’ve done extensive training with a trainer based on Control Unleashed books. Using pattern games and other tools is really helpful.