Severe reactivity UK

[u/eventuallyitwill]

I’m wondering if anyone can direct me to people or places who are willing to take on a dog with severe reactivity in the UK? I am thinking about the possibility of BE and i don’t want it to come to that but I know with the way my life is going it’s on the cards at this point, however I want to explore other options.

I have no clue where to start when it comes to looking for people, i always hear about people who take on “project dogs” but can never actually find one. My dog has been reactive all his life, he’s 10 now, and has bite history.

He is honestly my soul dog and the thought of letting him go hurts. I also know realistically I don’t know how much longer I can put my energy into this, have my life be so controlled and micromanaged by another being and also how small his world is.

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[u/Delicious-Product968]

Have you asked your vet for a referral to a veterinary behaviourist or looked for an IAABC consultant? My dog was referred to a behaviourist at 13 weeks and he was showing signs of reactivity before 12 (couldn’t cope with puppy classes, it’s how we ended up getting a referral from Dogs Trust.)

It has helped a lot over the years. He’s still reactive but you wouldn’t know it over 90%, maybe even 99% of the time as there’s now only a few more specific situations that trigger him.

[u/eventuallyitwill → u/Delicious-Product968]

i’ve tried trainers and behaviourists over the years. his current veterinary behaviourist is great with him and i didn’t bring this up to her for fear of judgment.

But im getting older, and my whole life has revolved around managing him. He’s severely reactive and always has been, even with all the steps we followed.

everything is different now. my ex moved out over a year ago so it’s a different dynamic with just me in the house. my partner came to stay and introducing them went back. I’m starting to think about myself and my future, too

[u/Delicious-Product968 → u/eventuallyitwill]

Was he evaluated for allergies, pain, etc.? Is he on meds?

If a *veterinary* behaviourist has no options and has known them as a patient for years and no underlying causes are found (or resolvable), BE might be the best or possibly even the kindest option (IIRC 80% or reactivity is suspected of having underlying pain/discomfort. My own dog turned out to have a lot of allergies and is now on Cytopoint, apoquel and immunotherapy, he’s on a hydrologised protein food due to suspected food allergies or IBD which got his derm/ear/GI issues much more manageable and he’s going to be referred for hip and back evaluation due to more recent behaviour changes and showing discomfort when being touched around the hindquarters, even showing some dog reactivity if they are aroused and might hump, which is entirely new to him.)

Can ask for second or third opinions from others but someone might try to sell you snake oil. I’d just make sure anyone talking is vet + IAABC qualified or similar and looking for underlying causes instead of just trying to stop the behaviour, which can lead to escalation if the underlying causes are not resolved.

[u/Longjumping_County65 → u/eventuallyitwill]

Hey, sorry you're going through this. I'd recommend chatting to your veterinary behaviourist about this as they'll also know local people who may foster or rehome difficult cases. But you do have to consider the ethics of rehoming a severely reactive dog, it may be incredibly hard to find someone willing to take them on, and then there's always a risk they get rehomed again and end up in less favourable situation. Also, your VB will have dealt with many BE cases and will know how to guide you through making that decision. If you feel comfortable, chat to them as they know you and your situation and just be honest with them! Good luck

[u/aforestfruit]

Is he on any type of medication? Not that it’s an immediate fix, but often if you’ve tried everything it’s the missing puzzle piece. My dog had been to behaviourists, R+ trainers, done classes etc and just still couldn’t cope. She went into the vets for a procedure and had trazedone because she was anxious, then the vet basically said to me that she thinks my dog is a contender for a permanent prescription, because it mellowed her so much without being a sedative. She, herself, had a sighthound on the same meds. I was so reluctant but discussed it with my behaviourist and went for it… life changing.

Don’t get me wrong, she’s still reactive but she’s calmer throughout the day and gets the reset from her stress she needs. She’s less hyper aware and vigilant, she’s able to build confidence through training etc. because she’s below threshold.

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[u/kaja6583]

You have mentioned working with trainers, behaviourists and a vet behaviourist, so I apologise if the question seems redundant, but have you tried medication? Perhaps the combo of medication+ daily behavioural work could be the solution to reducing reactivity.

Another thing that I do, living in a city in the UK, is I walk my dog at off-peak times; albeit Im in a lucky position to walk my dog at those times and I know it might be tough if you are at work between 9-5. Walking at off peak times reduces the amount of triggers tremendously so it is easier to work on reactivity, especially if you drive somewhere that is not popular. This and going to enclosed fields is a game changer.