I have found all of this so interesting. I imagined dog ownership would on balance be a pleasure, but have learnt how difficult it could be. I do not think Rufus matured until he was 4.He was neutered at 17 months. He still has mad cocker moments, barks at people, hedgehogs, dogs, cats, leaves etc through the window, and barks in a ferocious manner when he is playing with certain dogs. His recall is improving very slowly. He has anxiety /fear issues with about 6 dogs and a very small number of people. He did not respond to the leave command and chased cyclists or paper boys, until he was 3. Only in the last 6 months has it been safe to open the front door without him rushing out to chase squirrels. I didn't know about behaviourists during this time, and was reduced to tears on many occasions. Nothing could have prepared me as a first time dog owner for all of this. It was soul destroying seeing all the other dogs behaving sensibly at training, with my dog off the wall. Although much calmer, he is still not totally reliable, and I have to be very patient with him. I can see how people might give up. The only other dog in his litter of 8 had to be rehomed, and this always made me feel nervous. I am pleased I persevered. Perhaps it would have been quicker if I had had behaviourist help. I hope you find a solution, although I can only offer my best wishes.
