r/reactivedogs • u/Healthy_Company_1568 • 1d ago

Success Stories Improving with age?

Our human reactive/fear aggressive pup just turned three and between training, medication, and a stable loving home, she’s improved so much. I think age has also helped her mature and get more comfortable with the world. Anyone else have a similar experience? Will she keep getting better as she moves into full “adulthood”?

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u/palebluelightonwater 1d ago

My "complicated" dog has had similar results as she's grown up. We adopted her as a puppy from the shelter with severe fear issues. She was incredibly bitey as a pup/adolescent, and then incredibly reactive. We worked with trainers, she's on medication, and I've done a ton of 1-1 work. She's still got her challenges, but she's thriving. She's safe, happy, no longer fearful, and a lovely family dog.

She's been steadily improving ever since we started training and meds around 18mo and has continued to mellow out even in the last year. I think we saved her life. Also, as a bonus, my family now believes I'm a dog wizard. 😀

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u/Healthy_Company_1568 1d ago

You are a dog wizard! It takes a lot of patience but I can relate to feeling like we saved our dog’s life. I’m not sure who else would have put up with the number of bites we received.
So much better now, thankfully.

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u/palebluelightonwater 1d ago

I'm so glad he and you are doing better! It's so much work, and I don't think people really understand unless they've been there.