Animal Welfare Professionals

Hi all! Weird Rescue here! We are in need of some advice/recommendations.

We are a fairly young and small rescue still. Several months ago one of our founder's friends tragically passed away after a battle with cancer.  She had a dog, Gemma, and one of her final requests was to make sure Gemma didn't end up in a shelter, so we took her on. 

Gemma is a 4 year old large Lab/pit/shepard mix who LOVES people! However, she is quite reactive with dogs. We didn't know this when we first took her, as she had been living with a senior dog her whole life that she was fine with. We are a foster-based rescue in Los Angeles without a facility as of now and we have been having a very hard time placing her, and honestly we just don't have the set up to work proper socialization with her as of now, and most of our fosters have other animals in the home. She is a super sweet girl and we just want her to have the best life! So we are looking for any advice or recommendations on facilities that might help better equipped to help her work through this reactivity or ways you've found to successfully place reactive or only dog situations.

Thank you so much! 

#Behavior,TrainingandEnrichment

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Lauren Avon
Co-Founder
Weird Rescue
CA
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Hi Lauren,

My first 'go to' for all types of behavior issues is nutrition. If an individual (dog, cat or person) is not receiving a balance of essential nutrients it is not possible for these individuals to cope with stress. The more research into the power of balanced nutrition from whole, real human-grade foods, the more I am convinced that the gun violence issues in our county are directly related to unbalanced nutrition and malnutrition.

People have a carbohydrate based energy metabolism. However, dogs have a fat based energy metabolism. Dry kibble and foods contain grains are inappropriate for dogs. A few years ago I did a deep dive into EFAs (essential fatty acids) and behavior issues. (I have a monthly column in the international digital Parrot magazine called 'Parrots' and my editor allows me free reign to select the topics I write about. ) When I reached EFAs I learned that they have done studies (double-blind) in prisons with violent inmates. Those who received a proper balance of EFAs became more cooperative, less violent and their relationships abilities improved. Studies have also been dog with violent dogs, and similar results were seen.

If you'd like more info on homemade dog diet info online that I consider reputable please message me.

This dog could also be acting out due to the level of grief she is experiencing due to the loss of her caregiver who provided a safe and loving home.

Also, since you are asking about facilities, here in Reno we have CRCCS. Canine Rehabilitation Center & Cat Rescue. They do extensive behavior work with dogs, and they often have a waiting list for bringing new dogs into their program. You may want to contact them, and in the meantime, provide this dog human-grade ingredient nutrition from real foods.

Good luck,

 

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Leslie Moran
Executive Director
Emerald Ark
NV
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Lauren,

I'm a grant writer for our shelter facility so I don't personally work with our dogs but we often have reactive dogs and we also have many families that foster some of our animals. That being said, our shelter has worked with Dogs Playing 4 Life. They offer great classes on how to help behaviorally tricky dogs and one thing they stress is having a normal routine but also have free resources on their website. For particularly reactive dogs we do send them to a training/behavioral facility in our area and they really help some of our particularly reactive dogs.

I hope this helps!

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Bailey Evans
Grant Writer
Animal Allies Humane Society
MN
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Hi Lauren,

Gemma definitely needs a trainer.  Reach out to LARPBO (855) 527-7261.  They provide free/low cost training to pittie/mixes.  Also Paws4Life does same.  I am meeting with a trainer today who is starting to work with a malinois we are trying to help with unsocialized behavior and will speak with him about helping Gemma.  If you like call me (310) 721-8746

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Melissa Klaskin
psychologist
Reducing Animal Stress
CA
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Hi ! It's wonderful that you're dedicated to helping Gemma find the right home. For her reactivity, consider reaching out to trainers or behaviorists specializing in reactive dogs-some may offer boarding and training options. In Los Angeles, you might find trainers like "Bark Busters" or "The Zen Dog" helpful. For placement, focus on finding foster homes without other pets through networking or platforms like Petfinder and Rescue Me. You can also use social media to share Gemma's story and attract potential adopters or fosters who can meet her specific needs. Good luck!

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Rocio Gutierrez
Librarian
Rocio Gutierrez
NY
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Reactive foster dogs often need structure, distance management, and clear guidance rather than only comfort. Start by identifying triggers and keeping enough space so your dog can notice without exploding, then reward calm behaviour and engagement with you. Avoid busy environments until foundation skills are stronger.

If you are in Dallas, a professional program can help. Prestige k9 is worth considering, especially if you may later explore service dog training dallas. When comparing what is called the best dog training dallas or the best dog training dallas tx, ask about their experience with reactivity, tools used, and follow up owner coaching.

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Green Smith
dog training
dog training
TX
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Hi Lauren,

To add to the conversation, here's a list of training credentials and what they mean. Anyone can provide training services, no matter their approach, skills, or experience, so seeing that a trainer has one of these credentials demonstrates that they have agreed to a code of ethics and have certain knowledge and skills. Each credential has a directory of trainers or behaviorists near you. There may be excellent trainers who do not have credentials, since there are financial barriers to them, but this can be a starting point.

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Renee Dunaway
Dir. Multimedia Learning & Consultation
ASPCA
NC
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Hello Everyone,

Our most recent dog who we have given sanctuary to is VERY dog reactive.

I found an online training Aggression Acadamy from  trailandbones (dot)com.

I wrote  them, explained our situation (we too are a YOUNG and SMALL rescue) I asked them for a sponsorship to their program. In exchange for telling eveyone about them. And they gave us the scholarship.

All you can do is ask.

If you have questons or need help finding them online, please message me.

Good luck!

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Leslie Moran
Executive Director
Emerald Ark
NV
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Original Message:
Sent: 12-02-2025 06:58 AM
From: Renee Dunaway
Subject: Looking for advice/recommendations for a reactive foster dog!

Hi Lauren,

To add to the conversation, here's a list of training credentials and what they mean. Anyone can provide training services, no matter their approach, skills, or experience, so seeing that a trainer has one of these credentials demonstrates that they have agreed to a code of ethics and have certain knowledge and skills. Each credential has a directory of trainers or behaviorists near you. There may be excellent trainers who do not have credentials, since there are financial barriers to them, but this can be a starting point.

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Renee Dunaway
Dir. Multimedia Learning & Consultation
ASPCA
NC
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