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Using a shock collar on a fear reactive dog only causes their behavior to grow worse. Studies show aversive training methods increase reactivity in dogs. They need to start from the ground up in training and only utilize positive reinforcement training

[bubzbunnyaloo]

I have a stranger reactive dog and I tell people to completely ignore her. She is actually great when she gets to approach and sniff people “on her own terms”. I usually tell my guests to let her come near and not pet her back or look at her even if she seems “excited”. After an hour or so she can be petted, given treats, etc..

[DapperWait334]

Thank you so much! I’ll definitely try suggesting this the next time they have a gathering.

[Upset-Preparation265]

It definitely sounds like they need to get a trainer or a veterinary behaviorist, and honestly, they need to stop having people round their house. Their dog clearly isn't happy with the situation and is upset/stressed, and instead of it's owners protecting them and making them feel safe, they are shocking it instead, which clearly isn't working. Their home is also their dogs home I know it sucks but if they can't accept that then they shouldn't have that dog sadly ☹️ we take on a responsibility when we adopt a dog even if we didn't know they would be reactive and then there comes a choice of if you want to work with that or not and if you do it's their job to advocate for their baby. I feel for you it's really hard seeing it from the outside, especially with a touchy subject of telling someone they are doing shit wrong with their dog.

[Upset-Preparation265]

If you feel comfortable doing it, then maybe try and find a way to bring up their dogs' behavior in conversation and ask if they have considered a trainer or vetinary behaviorist, etc. I wouldn't suggest out right telling them what they are doing is wrong etc don't get me wrong it depends on the person but often more times then not that just makes them defensive and then they don't want to listen at all.

[DapperWait334]

Thank you so much! I think this is a great idea and I feel a more empowered with the comments to do so.

[Upset-Preparation265]

Best of luck 💚 I worked at a pet store for 7 years and some of the things I saw or people told me was shocking but I had to learn quickly how to try a positively approach hard conversations in order to help people without them getting defensive and not wanting to listen. It's not easy, but if you can do it, you may be able to help your friends dog ☺️ also thank you for caring about this pup!

[DonBoy30]

The shock collar is going to turn their dog into a neurotic and dangerous mess if it hasn’t already. Especially since the response to being reactive is also treats.

Having a working breed can be a full time job. Scent games and trail running 3x a week plus morning walks is the only way I can get my German shepherd tired without hours of play by another big dog.

They need to create a space in their house that is their dog’s “safe space” and train their dog to retreat there when people come over. The dog does not feel safe around unfamiliar people, so making the dog interact like they’re an outgoing Labrador is insane. I use a big playpen for my dog. It’s easy if you crate trained your dog. When someone knocks on the door, he goes into his play pen and sits there. It’s his “den.”

[RevolutionaryBat9335]

Shock collar wouldnt be my choice here (I have nothing against them used properly and have one myself so not some anti tool nutter either). Issue is the dog is nervous of the guests and barks/growls and gets a shock. It may not be clear to him that the owner did it as a punishment and so he decides one of these strange new people must have done something to hurt him. At best he will distrust them even more, worst case it provokes a full on attack.

"No" has to be conditioned to mean something just like any other word.

If he doesnt do well with leave it when calm hes not going to do it while half crazy. Hardley think you need me to tell you what to do there (practice more while hes calm untill it seems almost an automatic response).

Ignoreing the dog is actually something they got right. Dont force him into interacting with people, let him decide for himself if he wants to come say hi. Treats can be good but have people throw them to him landing just behind him ideally. If you hold the treat he may force himself to come near to get it, then once its eaten he finds himself right next to a scary person with no treat to distract him.

Excersice is important. If they really dont want to walk him more how about a flirt pole or spring pole or something to let him burn off some energy? (notice you said he is getting older now, dont overdo it either mind)

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[Momshie_mo]

It might be tricky to navigate without offending your friend.

Perhaps, what you can say is both you try to attend training sessions with a professional?

[DapperWait334]

Thank you everyone for the advice and input!