blue heeler very fearful and reactive

[lisac]

hello all! i just got a blue heeler 3 days ago. she’s 8 months old. she’s attacked her sister multiple times and i was asked to take her in. she can be around other dogs if they fully
ignore her. barking dogs don’t bother her. she FREAKS when approached though. she also is terrified of everything. she’s made some progress these past few days as i’ve been taking her out and letting her see the world and making sure she knows i’m able to make all the decisions and she doesn’t have to protect herself, i will. she’s very smart and is genuinely a really good dog. she’s okay with people just scared at times. any advice? fixable? open to answering any questions to get the best advice.

 

[kathleenloveschrist]

@lisac

3 days ago. she’s 8 months old.

You need to give this pup 3+ weeks to get acclimated. She’s in a new home with new people and she’s in a fear period. Give it time.

 

[lisac]

@kathleenloveschrist she bit off part of her sisters ear. she can’t do that here. need help!! not just fear but also aggression/reactivity to other dogs

why all the downvotes when i’m asking for help?

 

[kathleenloveschrist]

@lisac Ah see that’s some necessary info. So your next steps would be to contact a vet, get an evaluation done for health issues and start a conversation about anxiety medications. See a behavioral specialist, or an experienced trainer (preferably a trainer who does not use aversive methods, as that will only make pup more fearful and wary of people). Bonus points if they have prior experience with this breed or similar breeds. Make sure they are well aware that she is reactive. Ask about their qualifications or history working with reactive dogs.

For at home, crate training can be very valuable. I advise primarily using an indoor leash during the day and leaving the crate for down time and sleep.

 

[lisac]

@kathleenloveschrist i just finished my course to be a dog trainer but definitely still learning. minimal experience. will talk to more trainers too and see if i can’t get with one that knows this specific breed. will also see about anxiety meds and get her a full work up to see if she’s hurting. she also was left in a barn for the whole 9 weeks by the breeder i was told. definitely willing to work with her as long as i need, i just need to know that it can get better

 

[stepmominpain]

@lisac It's great that you've got this knowledge! However, this sounds like a case for a more experienced professional and a learning opportunity for you. If she has reached a point of being physically aggressive with other dogs and her fear is that extreme, it's ideal to go to your vet and a certified animal behaviorist.

My trainer was fantastic (years of experience, all the certifications, etc), but she was also very willing to admit that both my ACD and german/aussie shepherd mix required help beyond her skill set. I had to work with our vet for anti-anxiety meds and a local animal behaviorist (masters degree level) to help both my dogs. Even with that I do a lot of management techniques (i.e., gates, only feeding in crates) and meeting them where they're at.

It definitely can get better with the right help and tools!!! She is still young and sounds like she didn't have an ideal life as a little puppy (same for my dogs!). It is really good that you're intervening now - wishing you success with your girl!

 

[lisac]

@stepmominpain thank you!! will absolutely talk to a behaviorist

 

[lisac]

@kathleenloveschrist she also does have a crate and a muzzle and is kept on a leash right now. she doesn’t want to leave my side and does have some separation anxiety coming out

 

[jeff56711]

@lisac Definitely remember the 3 3 3 rule! She is just adjusting to you and her new surroundings! You will also learn her moods and her signals for when she is overwhelmed or freaked out by something over time and can be more proactive in response.

Overall i would give it some more time but this sounds totally normally and part of the adjustment process. Maybe also look up fear conditioning training and you can do some positive reinforcement from you or other people in the house walking around her and behind her. Just so she gets used to it and gets a treat when she doesnt freak out and shut down.

 

[lisac]

@jeff56711 see i would but i’ve been working with her for a while. the owner just couldn’t do it anymore. she’s got some issues that really need addressed and aren’t normal or from being in a new home as they happened at her previous home too. the attacking dogs has to be nipped (she bit off part of her sisters ear)

 

[jeff56711]

@lisac I would talk to your vet about some possible other options like medication or a specialist trainer who can help out with this type of fear and counter conditioning. Its definitelt fixible but will likely take some time for her to get settled in and feeling more comfortable

 

[lisac]

@jeff56711 i do have a training degree but i JUST graduated so still learning more. should i just keep doing what i’m doing if she’s been making progress?? when i first brought her here she freaked any time she seen a dog, now she only freaks out when they show interest. been giving tons of treats for no reactions and keeping the rambunctious dogs completely away while letting the mellow dogs around while she’s crated or muzzled. she’s again a VERY good dog and VERY smart. she’s great in public and ignores other dogs. i do keep her muzzle just incase. i’m very willing to talk to my vet about meds! anything that will help i’m willing to try as i’d hate for her to go down the wrong road

 

[jeff56711]

@lisac If you have a training degree you likely know more then me. Im just living with my first cattle dog so learning as life goes along.

I would definitely say give it some more time though especially if you are already seeing progress three days in! Thats a great sign

 

[lisac]

@jeff56711 thank you!! willing to try as long as i have to. just need reassurance it’ll get better or it can get better

 

[richherleikson]

@lisac She's been in a new place for 3 days- of course she doesn't trust you. She's going to be nervous and overwhelmed. It's going to take her weeks to get settled in, and months to bond & build trust. Give her time.