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Reactive dog

333 views 1 reply 2 participants last post by  cosmos  
#1 ·
My dog is reactive a female German Shepherd and I’m scared that one day we’ll have to give her up. I hate that idea. She’s my first dog that I’m responsible for and caring for, and I don’t want to fail her. I really don’t know what I’m doing. I have watched so many videos and read so many tips, but I still don’t know if I’m doing it right. I’m not confident.

I just really needed to talk to other people who might have gone through the same thing. She barks at people, dogs, sounds, voices, and even our neighbors through the fence. Thankfully, she’s never bitten anyone, but I don’t trust her around other dogs. When she does meet them, her hackles go up and she sniffs them intensely. We have three smaller dogs, and she’s okay with them, but she’ll sometimes bite one of them on the neck when she gets stressed or overly excited. They’ve fought before, and honestly, it’s usually my German Shepherd that starts it. I think she may have a dominance issue as well. I can’t take her anywhere not even to parks or on simple walks. I just don't know, I'm worried for her.
 
#2 ·
Hi and welcome :)
Having a reactive dog can be challenging, but there are a lot of ticks and tips you can try, something is bound to improve things.

First, how old is your dog, and how long have you had her?
What have you tried already, and how has it helped or not?
What sorts of things does she like and get excited about, like a ball or favorite toy? Food, treats?
Do you have a sense that she's barking because she's excited, scared? Letting you know someone is at the door - alert barking?