No Bad Dogs Podcast E322- Giant Reactive Rescued Dutch Shepherd Doesn't Give A S*%$T About Your Treats!
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Sep 26, 2025 Michael, a devoted owner of a rescued Dutch Shepherd named Zeus, shares his journey with leash reactivity and the challenges he's faced since adopting him. They dive into Zeus' intense lunging and barking at other dogs, which complicates walks and travel plans. Michael explains his reluctance to kennel Zeus due to past shelter trauma. Tom discusses training strategies, the importance of foundational skills, and the effectiveness of various correction tools. Their conversation highlights the balance of accountability and positive reinforcement in training reactive dogs.
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Rescue Dog With Shelter Trauma
- Michael adopted Zeus, a high-energy Dutch Shepherd at ~13 months after the dog spent months in a shelter.
- Zeus developed severe reactivity to other dogs and strong leash-charging behavior that worries the owners.
Powerful Red‑Line Reactions
- Michael describes Zeus lunging, baring teeth, whining and becoming uncontrollable when reactive to other dogs.
- He says his wife sometimes cannot physically hold Zeus when he 'red lines' due to the dog's size and strength.
Reactivity Is About Dog Economics
- Tom explains reactivity stems from genetics, environment, and learned economy of rewards.
- He urges owners to build communication and alternative behaviors before just trying to 'stop' the reaction.