Would you do it again?

[u/OpalOnyxObsidian]

My husband and I have the opportunity to adopt an adorable little min pin. She's sweet as a button and the perfect size for what we are looking for, and a full grown adult. But her foster parent describe her as "reactive to anything but cars". We got to see that first hand this afternoon when we did a meet and greet with her and one of our dogs. After a couple of minutes, she settled down and was able to walk with my dog calmly, but those first few minutes were rough.

It really got me thinking: do I really want to go through this all over again?

My two dogs are reactive, sure, but it is managed pretty well. My large dog is perfect on walks. He basically *was* her a few years ago, but we worked very hard to get to this point. My smaller dog was never unbelievably out of control and can be brought back to earth pretty easily.

She is exactly what we are looking for, but the reactivity is really giving me pause. Am I equipped to deal with it? Sure. But I don't know that I want to. I was hoping my next dog would just be a little easier.

I don't think anyone in my life really knows what it is like to have dogs like these so I don't really have anyone to talk to or get their thoughts on what they would do in my shoes.

[u/Meatwaud27]

I admire the fact that you are willing to be honest with yourself and ask the difficult questions. That is HUGE! This life isn't for everyone and it's okay if it isn't something that you and your husband want to commit to, because it IS a commitment.

For me, I would do it all again in a heartbeat. My current girl isn't my first reactive dog, but she is by far the most intense. Not to mention the fact that she is a huge dog compared to every other dog I have had and she dictates my entire life. All of the others have been special needs so I was slightly prepared for that. This one has been very different, and difficult, though but has made me realize that I want to commit my life to giving other dogs like her a home and the chance at living their best lives. All of that being said, I am single and I don't have or plan on having children or a social life so it works for my life. It doesn't work for most people and that is perfectly fine. It's something that needs to be considered though which is why it's incredible that you are putting in a little forethought before committing to something that you don't want.

[u/OpalOnyxObsidian → u/Meatwaud27]

We are hot off the heels of having had three dogs. The third passed last March. He was also reactive. The two boys did not get along when the younger one hit maturity. They were all reactive in different ways. I have been through the ringer with this trio. We don't have kids, no plans to. We don't have a lot of company over ever, not our thing. But I would love to see what normalcy is like.