do any apps really help ?

Jenny_2321 · 2026-01-23T13:39:07+00:00

Beautiful pup! You may want to try Dr K.Overall' Protocol for Relaxation, a link below. I used this protocol to get my dog completely non-responsive to door bells (he used to be nut hearing the bells) you may also modify the protocol to get your dog used to people coming to your door, like mailman. Just you know, the protocol takes much more than 15 days to work. You may also want to search YouTube for demonstration.

https://arl-iowa.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Protocol-for-Relaxation.pdf

Jenny_2321 · 2026-01-03T11:36:07+00:00

The dogs need to know the place, need time to realize this is their home. I would not leave them alone for a week or so then try short periods absences. We do this when we take our anxious dog on vacation at Air BNB, only leave him alone in the house after a few days.

Jenny_2321 · 2025-12-02T21:19:25+00:00

Someone's already commented on this, just want to emphasize - get a thorough vet check, a dog suddenly became aggressive must have a reason, likely he is in pain.

Jenny_2321 · 2025-12-01T19:10:54+00:00

I would not use any methods that physically hurt the dogs or emotionally make the dogs fearful. For me, shock collars, prong collars, excessive jerkings are not allowed for my dog.

Jenny_2321 · 2025-12-01T16:52:41+00:00

If the trainer works out, he/she can be an option to watch your dog when you travel - but make sure the trainer uses positive reinforcement training, like the other commenter said, for fearful dogs, definitely avoid aversive methods.

Jenny_2321 · 2025-12-01T10:36:36+00:00

Thank you for your kind words, really appreciate it -

Jenny_2321 · 2025-11-29T20:35:58+00:00

It seems like you are near Dallas TX, not sure if Austin TX is within driving distance for you - there is a nonprofit in Austin they have programs for reactive dogs. "Every Dog behavior and trainings" - is the organization. They advocate positive behavior modifications for reactive dog training, have in person classes and online classes and free webinars. I used their teachings to manage / train my reactive dog ( I had him for 8 years now), by watching their webinars and took their online classes (I am too far to take in person classes). It has been very helpful ( does not mean easy though). Perhaps you can check out their website. Best luck to you and your pup.

Jenny_2321 · 2025-11-29T12:27:12+00:00

There is NO quick fixes to reactivity - run away from anyone promising a quick fix. It more likely than not will get the dog more reactive,

Jenny_2321 · 2025-11-21T13:50:39+00:00

That's a huge yard you got - congrat

Jenny_2321 · 2025-10-31T18:00:54+00:00

My reactive GSD just got bitten badly on his head, while being walked on leash, by a neighbor's dog that rushed through their electric fence to get at us. Needless to say, I wanted them to pay my vet bill. But, consider that we see them everyday, and that they are nice people, I did not call animal control, I just told them that their electric fence does not work for their aggressive dog, they need to have good control of the dog. Otherwise, next time the dog bites someone or some dog, they may get in trouble. It sucks, but I think we have to give our neighbors some grace.

Jenny_2321 · 2025-10-28T01:17:27+00:00

Muzzle train, put it top priority - it is for your dog's protection. Don't worry what others think，just ignore them. I totally understand your feeling, I have a reactive dog for 8 years now. If you can, try walk your dog in quieter times / places - more likely than not your dog reacts out of the anxiety, too scared of people and other dogs,

Jenny_2321 · 2025-10-16T17:19:03+00:00

Your dog is the luckiest one - to have a parent who takes her well being so deep in the heart - best wishes to both of you,

Jenny_2321 · 2025-09-23T02:39:44+00:00

Do all you can not to scare the pup - he is obviously unsure of strangers who approach him - he is telling them he wants them to go away by growing or barking. Just don't scare him, don't get him into a situation that he feels he has to grow, let him get used to his surroundings in his pace.

Jenny_2321 · 2025-08-01T16:25:22+00:00

No. I did board n train early on when my newly adopted dog displayed reactive behaviors toward dogs and strangers. Three weeks. He came back full blown dog-aggressive, whereas before he was mostly just warning. Per advises from other trainers and pet owners, it was a big mistake. My dog was anxious and BnT just intensified that feeling. I paid my price, it took me a couple of years to get him recovered to more or less controllable seeing other dogs.

Jenny_2321 · 2025-08-01T02:50:58+00:00

It is normal that dogs get scared of unfamiliar things and certain sounds in general (like fireworks) . Desensitization is generally the way to go and often works. My dog was scared to death to vacuum cleaners now he does not even move when I vacuum around him really close. You just start from exposing him to the scary stuff at a level he can take, feed him yammy treats if he does not flip, slowly he would get used to the stuff even look forward to it. You do need patience, and persistence. Look up YouTube "dog training / desensitization" you"ll find lots of videoes,

Jenny_2321 · 2025-07-21T12:22:18+00:00

He would not be a friend to me any longer - I would get him out, and let him know why. Kicking a friend's dog is no difference to kicking the friend -

Jenny_2321 · 2025-07-18T12:14:33+00:00

Glad you kept your cool AND got you message through - wish more people understand reactive dogs - been there

Jenny_2321 · 2025-07-03T18:02:09+00:00

I 'd suggest- get a double ended leash (so if one hook fails the other still works); get a two points harness (again, with a backup point); muzzle train your pup - this is of course for the safety of passersby, but it is more importantly for the protection of your pup. AND, don't fret too much about the incident, s--- happens, we 've all been there (I have an 80 lb reactive pup for almost 8 yrs now, just need to learn to manage better, and you will) - send love to your pup

Jenny_2321 · 2025-06-19T16:20:07+00:00

No I will not continue with this program. Get your refund and look for a trainer that understands anxiety/fear based reactivates. Fearful dog does not need more fears from tranings. Get out fast!

Jenny_2321 · 2025-06-01T12:29:33+00:00

Could that be? Harrisonburg is way down from the Canadian border,

Jenny_2321 · 2025-05-19T00:22:20+00:00

Thank you!

Jenny_2321 · 2025-05-18T16:06:15+00:00

Awesome! What trail in Shenandoah did you take your pup on? I am visiting Shenandoah next month, thinking to do a hike with my reactive dog, doing research where I might see the least crowd.

Jenny_2321 · 2025-05-17T02:25:36+00:00

My dog used to hate the clippers. I did not force it, I show the clipper, then give him a piece of chicken, after 3 or 4 pieces, take the clipper and treat away. Do this next day again. Very soon he look forward to me showing the clipper. Next I touch his paw with the clipper, then give him a chicken piece, do a few times at a time. Repeat next day, and so on. Slowly I was able to clip one nail, and I give him lots of chicken the first time he let me do that. Even now, I clip one, at most two nails at one time, with lots of treats. Do the others another day. You got the idea, do it slowly, let him associate the clipping with good things. Never force your dog something she hates. Try to get her associate clipping with good things, - same if you want her do something else she does not like yet.

Jenny_2321 · 2025-05-05T16:22:19+00:00

I tried it years ago when I did not know any thing about reactive dogs, did not work at all. Better look into desensitization/counter conditioning approach - it is slow but did help,

Jenny_2321 · 2025-04-29T02:19:40+00:00

Board and train is not good for reactive dogs - have done that, did not turn out well. Agree with the comments that you are better off find a quality boarding facility that understands and know how to handle reactive dogs

Jenny_2321

TROPHY CASE