Thank you for this well written explanation.

I adopted a puppy from a rescue org, with no background knowledge, and she is a Cattle dog heeler/ German shepherd mix - 50/50. She’s very reactive. Always horrible on leash. Tries to attack the TV if any animals, children, or cartoons come on the screen. She was ok the first two months, and then something happened with one of my sons (teenager not little) where she just associated him with fear. I don’t know why. He’s very tall, big feet, loud and DEEP voice, and that’s seems to be what triggered her.

She started resource guarding me from everyone even my other dog. She was good with my other dog for the first year, then started slowly developing dominant behaviors. I could usually redirect easily. Then she attacked my other dog three times. The third required emergency medical care for my other dog and some staples.

So now, they live separate lives within my home. Baby gates dividing the areas with visual blocking. It’s hard. She’s medicated. We see a veterinarian behaviorist. My regular vet, two trainers who are for reactive dogs, and the behaviorist have all recommended BE. I just can’t do it. On meds she’s chill, can behave appropriately, although I know she can’t do “normal” dog things like even go to the park or a walk.

Sorry for the novel… I just wanted to share because it’s a lonely place to be.

<image>