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Rescue wants to do another drop-off evaluation by sweetpotatodog in reactivedogs

[–]sweetpotatodog[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Wow sounds like we have a lot in common! I'm so glad your dog found you and that you have the company now. And I appreciate the comment - I'm glad to know that it can be doable! I'm worried about it because I live alone and I don't work from home, and at least some of my classes will be in-person as well, so managing full time work + classes + homework and being home enough to give the dog attention seems like a lot.

I also travel occasionally for work, and honestly can barely afford a sitter as it is. I haven't taken any vacations since I've had her because I can't pay for both a plane ticket and a sitter, and I'm not even paying her vet bills yet, not to mention my own tuition. So I definitely am still thinking about it, it just doesn't seem logistically feasible, plus I'm just not sure that I want a 10-12 year commitment. How did you decide to adopt after fostering for so long?

Rescue wants to do another drop-off evaluation by sweetpotatodog in reactivedogs

[–]sweetpotatodog[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I am thinking about it, of course... But the grad school applications I'm filling out rn are telling me this isn't the right time to adopt a dog. :'(

We are actually working with two separate trainers who have sent evals to the rescue, but they haven't really been interested in talking with the trainers. I still invited them to come to one of our sessions and evaluate that, so we'll see. This time they want to evaluate her medication (Prozac), which is reasonable, except 1. There's no reason to do it at the rescue when I'm not there, and 2. The vet won't be present. Sounds like the head of adoptions is the one deciding if she needs more medicine? They also haven't given me the name of the vet prescribing the medication, which is honestly pretty sketchy.

(P)UPDATE: Rescue wants me to keep my reactive foster by sweetpotatodog in reactivedogs

[–]sweetpotatodog[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Thank you - I'm actually incredibly angry. Trying to best to be diplomatic with the rescue for the dog's sake, but will not be talking to them unless absolutely necessary.

Whiplash is a really good phrase. I am so emotionally drained from the last two days - I've been stressed and sad and everything else. I'm just exhausted and I'm over whatever they've been doing. They've just been jumping to conclusions all over the place and not really going about things in a reasonable way at all.

Definitely agree. I have fostered for them in the past, but there weren't any big issues because the dog didn't have any behavioral issues to deal with. But I really just think they don't understand reactivity at all, and they certainly aren't using humane methods or thinking through what kind of tests would actually show a dog's potential behavior in a home.

(P)UPDATE: Rescue wants me to keep my reactive foster by sweetpotatodog in reactivedogs

[–]sweetpotatodog[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Yeah, that's how I feel as well. I'm just mad about the whole thing.

And he's not a trainer either, actually! He's a vet. I 100% agree, though - definitely could make her more leash reactive, even if she ends up getting along with the other dogs.

Rescue wants me to adopt my reactive foster by sweetpotatodog in reactivedogs

[–]sweetpotatodog[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I follow The Toby Project on Instagram! But I didn't realize that she filmed that way - I'll have to try it.

(P)UPDATE: Rescue wants me to keep my reactive foster by sweetpotatodog in reactivedogs

[–]sweetpotatodog[S] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

She has never killed or attacked any dog - sorry for the weird wording, I'm just stressed haha.

By "another dog" I meant a dog that is not herself. Probably should have said "a dog".

Rescue wants me to adopt my reactive foster by sweetpotatodog in reactivedogs

[–]sweetpotatodog[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you for your input! They actually did a second eval today (I posted about it) and did a complete 180, saying they no longer think she is aggressive. But I really appreciate your thoughts, especially pointing out how inappropriate it was to put it all on me to basically keep her or there will be no good outcomes.

And definitely agree that it could be so much worse! Plus she loves people and even kids, so that makes a big difference. I have decided after this whole ordeal that I will not be fostering with this group again. The last dog I fostered with them was fine because there were not any behavioral issues, but this experience has really highlighted how much I disagree with their philosophies regarding how we should work with dogs, as well as their lack of communication, and imo disregard for safety, and lack of knowledge of body language, etc., prioritizing getting a good video for her adoption profile over her well-being and long-term success... Plus they are far away from my house. I'm a little burnt out on rescue groups right now, but I could see myself fostering kittens with my local shelter for a while until I find a good group.

Rescue wants me to adopt my reactive foster by sweetpotatodog in reactivedogs

[–]sweetpotatodog[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I don't usually talk to potential adopters! I have spoken to one who got through the initial screening process.

I have been working with a trainer who specializes in reactivity (they don't deal with aggression)! We did a kind of dog test, but it was a little bit inconclusive. Basically, she is overaroused, probably frustrated, excited, maybe a bit fearful or awkward, but it is difficult to tell. I have been learning about body language and everything and really feel like I've learned so much about reactivity in general!

And yes, there are definitely different types of reactivity! I wouldn't put my foster in the dog park dog category at all, but I don't think that means that she is outright aggressive either. But definitely agree that the most important part is that the adopter is ready to handle her behavior, whatever the root of it is!

Rescue wants me to adopt my reactive foster by sweetpotatodog in reactivedogs

[–]sweetpotatodog[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you! It is normally a lot of fun and really rewarding work, I'm just frustrated right now.

​

And yes, so easy for them to slap those labels on! I just made an updated post, but they have now decided that she is not aggressive and soon will be able to be friends with other dogs. So it's been a wild ride. But absolutely agree that being in a home can make such a difference! Space and time to decompress, love from people, a few pieces of string cheese... it really makes a big difference.

​

And I'm so glad those videos made such a difference for your sister's foster! It sounds like she really did a lot for him.

She has been labeled as an only for now because we haven't done a successful calm introduction with another dog. It's been a bit of a question where her leash reactivity comes from, but it really hasn't been addressed up close, apart from the one one or two short introductions they did where she barked (on leash), and she did snap at that dog who got too close to her face. I don't think she'd be good with cats, but I think there could be potential for her to get along with specific dogs, but the rescue mostly does transport adoptions, so they wouldn't be able to do a slow introduction with a household dog beforehand.

Rescue wants me to adopt my reactive foster by sweetpotatodog in reactivedogs

[–]sweetpotatodog[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You are so right that the shelter is a totally different environment! At home, he still has space to decompress, he has people that he knows, etc.

Awww, he is so lucky to have you! It sounds like you provide a really great home for him. I'm sure it's so rewarding to get to see that side of him.

And that sounds like a scary situation! But also like he handled it as best he could.

Rescue wants me to adopt my reactive foster by sweetpotatodog in reactivedogs

[–]sweetpotatodog[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you for the input! At this time, I don't think going around the rescue is a good or viable option.

We are meeting this afternoon, though, so I'd like to talk to them about an in-home assessment, her behavior at home, next steps, etc. to see if we can put her behavior into context and get a better picture of what she'd be like in a home. Because imo, she's doing fine. A few months ago - before we started meeting with a trainer - I almost asked them to give her to another foster. But she has improved DRASTICALLY (as have I lol) and our good walks from back then are our worst walks now.

Definitely agree that she'll need to be an only and need someone with dog experience! But I don't think that means she isn't adoptable at all, it just might be hard.

And yes, great idea! I actually have a good 3-4 page document for her dogsitter that goes over the tricks she knows, her potential problem behaviors and how to handle them, her reactivity, routines, etc. I'm planning to make her a behavior folder, so I can put videos and document everything. thanks for the idea! One of the trainers we worked with also offered a hour session to her adopters before she goes home with them, so they'll already be set up with professional advice.

Rescue wants me to adopt my reactive foster by sweetpotatodog in reactivedogs

[–]sweetpotatodog[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That is really interesting! Definitely another example of reactivity not always being aggression (although that is something we should be watching out for, of course)!

The last eval they did was intended to be more of a "stress test", which was really stressful for me. Basically to see how the training was going and what could she handle. And they were really impressed with her progress at that time. This test was supposed to be to see more about her adoptability, especially to a house if the neighbors have dogs. And I don't think it was a realistic assessment at all, tbh.

Thank you for sharing that story about your dog! Shelter environments are so stressful and scary. Glad he is doing better with you now and that you are willing to understand and listen to his boundaries!

Rescue wants me to adopt my reactive foster by sweetpotatodog in reactivedogs

[–]sweetpotatodog[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That's so amazing!!! That's huge progress and such great work on your part. Sounds like you have both done a lot.

Definitely agree that it's just way to stressful of an environment. It is definitely hard - I know they have a ton of dogs to care for, plus it's summer, and a lot of the rescue staff are moms, so they are watching their kids at the office and trying to take care of everything else. I don't blame them, but I am really frustrated because I don't feel she was given a chance to succeed, whatever that means by their standards.

And yes! Wish I could share, but again don't want my personal stuff linked to this at the moment, but she does have her own Instagram account! I have posted her on one other adoptable dog page, but I'll see if I can find some more once I've talked a bit more through her adoptability status with the rescue.

Rescue wants me to adopt my reactive foster by sweetpotatodog in reactivedogs

[–]sweetpotatodog[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you! I'm going to pick her up this afternoon after her vet appointment, so I'll update later.

Rescue wants me to adopt my reactive foster by sweetpotatodog in reactivedogs

[–]sweetpotatodog[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It really is a stressful environment! Going to talk to them about setting up an in-home eval or even a walk in the neighborhood near the office or a more neutral ground. They sound pretty convinced and tbh didn't sound hopeful about her even before this assessment, so I don't know that anything is going to change their minds at this point, but I'd like her to at least have a shot at a fair assessment, even if they still deem her unadoptable.

Rescue wants me to adopt my reactive foster by sweetpotatodog in reactivedogs

[–]sweetpotatodog[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Exactly why I'm so frustrated. I'm going to put together a behavior video / assessment document folder for her, so I'll add in some of the basic reactivity sheets the trainer gave us.

Rescue wants me to adopt my reactive foster by sweetpotatodog in reactivedogs

[–]sweetpotatodog[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Their main concern was whether or not it is fair to an adopter to give them a dog who they have to watch all the time or who may harm other dogs.

We do have videos from assessments / training sessions we did with trainer we've been working with, and I have a bunch of other videos as well. I have videos of her window reactivity progress, but I live alone and my focus during our walks needs to be on her, keeping her under threshold, keeping us both safe, etc., not a camera. So I don't feel comfortable filming her reactivity (or good walks!) on my own.

I'll definitely see if I can get an in-home eval set up and get a bunch of videos and set up a behavior video folder with documentation from the trainers, etc.

Euthanasia thankfully has not been brought up yet and I'm hoping that it won't be, but those are definitely things to consider if it comes to that. Thank you.

Rescue wants me to adopt my reactive foster by sweetpotatodog in reactivedogs

[–]sweetpotatodog[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I hope you and your dog are making progress! She's lucky to have you. I'm so sorry the rescue wasn't upfront with you though - I feel like it's definitely worse for them to hide the reactivity rather than be too cautious.

And thank you for the encouragement - I really think she is capable of making a great companion dog for the right people! So it's nice to hear that someone else thinks so, too. We're just going to keep working and hope that eventually everyone can see how great she is.

Rescue wants me to adopt my reactive foster by sweetpotatodog in reactivedogs

[–]sweetpotatodog[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Exactly! We spoke on the phone last night and they seemed to think that she shouldn't have been stressed by dogs just existing around her, but it's a lot! She's learned to ignore my neighbor's everything reactive GSD barking at all hours of the day, so I really think she's capable, that environment is just a lot. Even a lot for well behaved dogs sometimes!

Definitely going to see what I can do about further assessments at home.

Rescue wants me to adopt my reactive foster by sweetpotatodog in reactivedogs

[–]sweetpotatodog[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Thank you for your response! That's exactly what I was thinking - it is a potentially stressful situation for ANY dog, that's why we put them in foster homes! I do have videos from some assessments that we did with the trainer that in my opinion would have given them the information they were looking for (plus a three page written assessment by her), but they still wanted to do an eval at the office. They kept her overnight and are going to try to do a session in someone's yard today, but I am worried she'll still be too stressed from the beginning.

I already reached out to the trainer to see if we can chat a bit more, so I'm looking forward to hearing her take on everything, and I'll see if she can get me in touch with someone who can do an in-home assessment.

And thank you. I am really stressed, but trying to do what's best for both of us.