[Calmlittlebuddha]

Hello, I have a 15 lb almost 6 month old female lab mix. She has been to the vet three times and has had blood work done where everything looked good but Lately she has been very excitable reactive to our neighbors dogs. I have been watching a lot of videos and reading up on how to help her with this issue, I will also be signing her up for training classes. One thing I am interested in trying is, I have heard that melatonin can help with reactivity issues. Dose anyone know if it is safe for puppies to take? All of the brands that I can find online say for lifestyle dog. Also because after she was spayed she was urinating very often I started giving her chews for spayed female which contain soy and red clover extract could these be making her more reactive? I am worried about these chews also because she seems to have quit a bit of crushing disease symptoms, will these hormone supplements affect her if she dose end up haveing this disease? Also if anyone has any calming puppy supplement ideas I would apprciate it, Thank you so much.

 

[ClanWorgen]

Likely more of a developing stage than a reaction to anything she is consuming. I would not suggest melatonin simply because it could just make her sleepy all day long and that isn't a good state.

She needs training, not medication, and a good start would be working with her on leash so you can correct the behavior as it happens. As she improves on leash she should get more off leash privileges.

 

[Calmlittlebuddha]

Thank you very much clan. She actually walks really well on a leash until she's sees another dog then she stands on her back legs and squirrels like someone is hurting her. I am for sure looking into training!

 

[DaySleepers]

I agree that you'll do better with an experienced trainer or behaviorist. Supplements have their place, but they're rarely effective as first line treatments, especially for behavior issues imo. Can be great as part of a comprehensive plan, but training/behavior modification and - in more difficult cases - behavioral medication should be the primary focus. Add onto that the fact she's a puppy who's experiencing a lot of changes as she mentally and physically develops (she's absolutely in the age for a second fear period, where it's natural for her to be sensitive and extra wary or anxious about things that she was fine with before), and it's going to be hard to pinpoint what the supplement is influencing and what's just her maturing.

Glad you're looking into a trainer! A lot more trainers are offering remote options now, so you may be able to look into people who would be too far to work with physically, giving you some more options. Of course there's downsides to remote consultations as well, but it's something to keep in mind.

 

[JmBrown89]

I think this is just one of the stages of growing up and you just need to practice it. Or entrust it to an experienced dog handler, and it will cease to be a problem for you.

 

[Calmlittlebuddha]

Thank you so much everyone. I contacted a trainer who dose private behavior lessons, hopefully she will get back to me soon. This is my first puppy as an adult so I want to do everything right. any advice is really apprciated.

 

[K9luv]

I'm no pro trainer, but for my pup I told him he was a good boy for not reacting at stimuli at a distance he was comfortable at BEFORE he reacted. I name the stimulus so that he knows I know it's safe and nothing to worry about. Same goes for sounds and noises.

I started looking out the window with him, rewarding for him 'just watching' ppl and dogs walk by. Or wildlife, or anything that gets his attention. Then moved to the front porch, then in the yard, closer to the street and so on. Gradually reducing distance or threshold he is comfortable with (without a reaction). Big praise for remaining calm, but I also keep calm, no high voice, no excitement. Just a soothing good boy and a pet (if she's ok with that).

For my pup, if it's no big deal for me, it's no big deal for him. He looks to me if ever he is unsure.

I just watched a vid by Kikkopup about recall with prey driven dogs, but I think it might be helpful to get your girl used to other dogs.

 

[Calmlittlebuddha]

That was very helpful info k9luv, I apprciate you posting the video and will watch it rigHy now. People like you and the other members who posted should feel really great an how well you train and care for your dogs! Thanks again.

 

[K9luv]

No worries! And thanks for the compliment! I have a high prey drive, highly reactive dog breed. So I did nip it in the bud when he was a little pup, but it really works! Just had to let you know that. He doesn't bark at the neighbor's dog even if Goustav is barking at him. The other neighbor's dog is older and if he comes to the fence, neither dog is barking. My 3rd neighbor has a cat and it's still a different story when the cat is just out of his reach growling and hissing at him lol. Just a little more work to do haha!