26/05/2026
🚨 EXTREME Reactivity to Small Dogs 🚨
Meet our foster girl, Siren an 11-month-old Belgian Malinois who came into rescue facing euthanasia after being picked up as a stray with no owner coming forward. Her breeders refused to take her back once she had been spayed, leaving her with very few options. Thankfully, she landed with who messaged me to come pick her up! (Thankyou Fiona you are the best ❤️)
Siren came with severe reactivity towards small dogs driven by intense prey drive and lack of appropriate outlets. Anything small and fast-moving would trigger her instinct to chase, strike and bite something we knew couldn’t be left to “management only.”
For the first 2 weeks, we focused heavily on relationship building, structure and engagement while carefully managing her environment around our little dog Bing. We introduced group walks on leash, recall work, engagement games and clear consequences for disengagement.
By week 3, after building a solid foundation and positive association with the e-collar, we were able to bridge the gap between long line work and real freedom. Then came a clear, fair punishment process that gave her complete clarity on expectations.
Fast forward to week 4… Siren was safely off leash around 5 fluffy Chihuahuas dogs she would have seriously harmed just 30 days earlier.
Now we move onto the fun part: sport work, advanced obedience and giving this incredible dog the outlet she deserves. She’s intelligent, affectionate and has pushed me massively as a trainer.
Whether she goes to the perfect active home or stays with me for sport work, one thing is certain this dog deserved a second chance. ❤️
Message me if you are struggling with your dogs reactivity and want to get started in turning their life around!
