u/Grouchy_Rest_6432

Hello everyone,

I urgently need your advice.
My female dog (1.5 years old, spent 1 year as a street dog and 1 month in a shelter/kill shelter) has been on Floxyfral (Fluoxetine) for 3.5 weeks now, taking 25 mg at a body weight of 17 kg.

After two weeks, we initially experienced an extreme loading phase (initial worsening): she was more reactive than ever and lunged at everything and everyone. Now, after a good three weeks, she is better behaved than ever before. Her reactivity has improved incredibly over the last few days! She barely reacts anymore, is super attentive, and shows an extreme willingness to learn. She is also settling down much better and is finally sleeping through the night.

My plan was actually to start working with a new trainer in about 6 weeks—someone who focuses on reactivity and works a lot with rescue dogs. However, she has now urged me multiple times to stop the medication immediately, claiming that in her experience, dogs on it become "untrainable."

On the other hand, my behavioral vet and current scientific research say the exact opposite: combined with positive training, the medication is an excellent support system. The claim that dogs undergo a personality change, become lethargic, or lose their ability to learn also contradicts everything I have read in user reviews so far.

Since these conflicting statements are making me feel totally desperate right now, I wanted to ask you:
- Are your dogs also on Fluoxetine (perhaps even long-term, as in for years)?
- How do they experience everyday life? Are they still trainable and motivated, or do they seem lethargic and fundamentally changed in personality?

(Quick extra info: My dog also suffers from separation anxiety. And her reactivity stems from frustration, insecurity, and territorial behavior.)
I am really looking forward to hearing about your experiences!

Hi everyone,

I’m reaching out because I’m feeling quite desperate and could really use some hope and advice.
I have an ex-stray female dog who is extremely reactive on the leash. Interestingly, she is an absolute sweetheart off-leash—she loves all humans and dogs. But the moment the leash is on, she flips out.

The Trigger:
I believe it’s a mix of insecurity and massive frustration. Being a former street dog, she never knew leash restriction. Now, the feeling of being "trapped" on the line and not being able to greet others causes her to explode.

What we are currently doing:
• Method: We use LAT (Look at That).
• Management: I try to avoid triggers whenever possible to keep her under threshold.
• Training: When she manages to reorient to me, I use rewards or sometimes incorporate cone work/slalom to keep her focused.
• The Struggle: We live in an area where we don’t meet many dogs consistently, so it’s hard to get "controlled" practice. I’ve seen three different trainers, but their advice hasn't led to any breakthroughs.
Medication:
She started Fluoxetine about 2-3 weeks ago. Right now, her behavior seems to be getting worse rather than better. Is a "loading phase" with increased reactivity normal? Did it get better for you after a few weeks?

1. Methods: For those with high-frustration dogs, which training methods actually worked? (BAT, LAT, Leslie McDevitt’s Pattern Games, etc.?)
2. Training Setup: Where and how did you train? Did you use "stooge dogs" or just public spaces?
3. Hope: Has anyone successfully managed this level of leash frustration in a former street dog?

On a personal note, I am struggling a lot with how much this situation limits my life. I am someone who loves being outdoors and going places, but right now, I feel trapped. My dog is very active, but because she can't be left alone yet and her reactivity is so intense, I can't take her anywhere and I can't leave her.

I am also looking for expert trainer recommendations in Austria (specifically Vienna or Carinthia) if anyone happens to know someone local.

Thank you so much for your support and for sharing your experiences!