u/Hdab25

My partner and I recently lost my beautiful 14 year old shih-poo. She was a true rag-doll teddy bear; beautifully trained, non reactive, docile and gentle till the end. A few weeks ago I came across a plea for help in one of my facebook groups; a 2.5 year old healthy, neutered, well-loved male border terrier was in need of a new home. He had been owned by a family with one daughter (now 9 ) since the age of 9 weeks. He was bred by a veterinarian breeder and has been extremely well cared for. The family lives rurally, and the dog did not have regular socialization from 9 weeks onward. As a result, he grew reactive. predominantly towards other dogs, but also to strangers initially. The reactivitiy is high pitched frantic barking and sometimes even lunging at whoever is closest. He is otherwise beautifully, perfectly trained. Loving, cuddly, sweet. Perfectly house trained, and very smart. He has never shown any aggression toward anyone in his family.

Last year while visitors were approaching the front yard, the dog was barking/getting amped up. One adult put her arm near him and he nipped her and broke the skin. It wasn't a targeted attack nor a clamp and hold. After that the owners met with a behaviorist who felt he would be easily corrected with the appropriate socialization, and told them he didn't need a board and train, just socialization exposure therapy and and regular home based training. They started trying to train him but live 30 min outside of town so he was only getting a training session 2-3 times a week. The rest of the time was spent on his vast 3 acre property going on trail runs through dense forest.

This past easter the owners had a family with another 9 year old child, who is afraid of dogs. After being introduced the child was tentatively petting the dog, and the dog appeared to be calm and friendly. Later that day, the child was crawling around on all fours looking for a lego piece. The dog approached, tail wagging, and the child sat up on his hind legs. The dog also stood on his hind legs and attempted to sniff the child's collar. The child was scared and brushed the dogs face away, and the dog lunged and nipped at his face. Did not break skin but left a bruise. The owner immediately grabbed the dog, who startled and nipped again at the child's arm.

That family now wants to rehome.

My partner and are are about to get married. We live in a city and have easy access to dog parks, busy streets, and multiple trainers. We don't have kids yet, but my partner wants them. We're fostering him now and he is AMAZING in the house - loving, sweet, so smart, listens perfectly, and beautifully trained. Outside, the reactivity is clear - once he's startled he barks and lunges at someone passing by - but has improved so, so much over just three days with a gentle leader and my firm training. We met a behavioralist who spent 2 hours with him, and said he didn't need a board and train just regular exposure, but agreed to take him for a 5 week course. Obviously, he would need maintenance, diligence, and ongoing training for the rest of his life, but I wondered if it is possible to rehabilitate him.

I am grappling with the possibility of us having children in the future and whether keeping the dog is a possibility in that scenario.

Any advice greatly appreciated.