Hi

Hi,

I'm Susan. I have a three year old rescue staffie called Mitzi.

Mitzi's previous owner didn't socialise her adequately and didn't even take her out for walks. Mitzi is an absolute darling in the house, but a terror on the lead. She has always been reactive. Her pattern is that, if we only meet people on our walks, she's fine, but, if she sees dogs, she goes a bit crazy (lunging, barking, growling etc). If we encounter a few dogs, she's then primed to be reactive and will start reacting to other things (usually things with wheels, bikes, shopping trolleys, even pushchairs).

I am trying positive training with her, but it will take time. In the meantime, walking her is pretty stressful, largely because of how judgmental people can be. It never seems to occur to onlookers that I might not be her first owner and it might not be me who didn't socialise her... I get a lot of disapproving looks and some really negative, unhelpful comments. Today a group of pensioners at a bus stop lectured me on how I should be using an electric shock collar... I replied firmly "I don't agree with those - I think they are cruel and that's why they're rightly illegal in this country" (Wales) and walked on.

Why didn't I post this on the training forum? I think it belongs in introductions, because it explains why I'm here. I've joined the forum for moral support from people who 1/ understand staffies and don't think they're the demon dogs trashed in the media, 2/ understand that rescue dogs come with issues that take time and patience to address, and 3/ don't think all reactive dogs must have horrible, anti-social, irresponsible owners. In other words, I'm here because I'm feeling pretty low and wanted a place to feel welcome.

I might post in the training forum for tips at some point soon, for now I just want to (virtually) meet people who won't think me or my baby are monsters...

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Hi Susan, it's lovely to have you and Mitzi here. No one here would ever think badly of you for having a reactive dog.

We are always here to offer support or just a friendly ear. I think you have hit the nail on the head perfectly as you are definitely following tried and tested methods by using positive training and you understand there is no overnight fix.
Congratulations on the rescue, it's lovely to hear of dogs finding their forever homes.

I completely agree with you re the shock collar "advice'. If they think using pain to train a dog is the best thing to do I hope they never have a dog.

Please keep the faith, we got my girl when she was 14 months and I couldn't even walk her down the street without her being terrified of trees, cars, bags in the road etc. However now she just completed her second Poppy run with me yesterday. There is light at the end of the tunnel. If you do want to look up some tips, Liz has written great replies previously about reactive dogs.

Please keep us informed of your progress and we do love pictures xx

Hello and welcome from us.

I agree with Emma all the way. Good on you for the rescue and don’t let ignorance get you down.
You’re dong exactly what Mitzi needs and you will make progress before you realize.
Hope to share your milestones

Hi from me & Katy, we don't judge people here we are here to help or just listen. My girl is reactive too so I know what you are going through

Hi Susan & Mitzi, welcome. You definitely won't be judged here.

People are so free with their 'advice', aren't they? They'd do better to talk to you & find out WHY!

As for electric shock collars, they're even illegal in England now & good riddance - horrible things.

You're doing the right thing with non aversive training.

At what distance is she reactive?

Hi and welcome from me and mine!

Don't let others get you down - easier said than done I know but I hope the support you'll get here will give you the confidence to be able to say 'I know it doesn't look great but we have a plan and are working on it'.

This is specific to another situation but have a read through and you might find some ideas that could help you too:

https://staffy-bull-terrier.niceboard.com/t67596-reactive-rescue-girl-advice-welcome

And then yes, please start your own thread. Not only might we be able to help with ideas, it can be your place to ask for a shoulder if needed.

Thank you all for the lovely, kind, warm welcome! I really appreciate it. I felt a bit down yesterday after that horrible encounter with the people advising a shock collar, and you all made me feel a lot better and more hopeful - thank you!

Mistysmum, I will try to find some good photos to post soon. Thanks for telling me about the amazing progress you have made with your girl - that's good to hear.

Thanks, Nifty. I hope I will have slow but steady progress to share - it's good to know that there are people who are interested in hearing about our milestones.

Thanks, Jen - it's comforting to know I'm not alone. How are things going with your girl?

Thanks, Gilly. I'm not good at judging distances, but it's a big one - she often spots a dog before I do and starts going crazy before I have a chance to reward her for not reacting...

Liz, the thread was really interesting and is the kind of thing I am trying to do. It's good to know I'm on the right track. Thanks for sharing!

Hi & Welcome from Flo and me