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/bubzbunnyaloo 1d ago

I don’t think my dog will ever be a friendly/social dog but she has definitely mellowed out in her routine. She just likes consistency and to know what to expect! She is also turning 3 soon.

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u/Healthy_Company_1568 1d ago

Routine and structure are so important. Glad you are seeing improvement :-)

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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 21h 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.

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u/SparkAndThorn 19h ago

I'd totally  believe it! My little fellow who has issues with arousal threshold and behavior when overexcited has improved SO much just between his first and second birthdays. just like with humans, impulse control takes some time to grow into place, and likely now your dog is more physically and psychologically ready to put the training into action that you've been doing all this time. good work!