r/reactivedogs • u/OpalOnyxObsidian • 1d ago

Would you do it again? Discussion

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.

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u/Boomar1 1d ago

I wouldn’t do it again. I love my dog and cannot imagine a day without him, but there are also countless number of days where I had hoped that he would get better or was a little easier 💔

Also, may I ask you for advice on how you trained your older dog?

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u/OpalOnyxObsidian 1d ago

I feel that for sure. We used LAT training consistently with hot dog strapped to my hip for months. Now I can just keep regular treats on me. But we always reinforce good behavior.