u/Select_Reason994

I get really bad gi distress from iron supps so I cook acidic things in cast iron!

First of all, I would recommend seeing a force free trainer, not a balanced trainer. Force free is the gold standard in modern dog training. You need a leash that is longer than 6 ft, because shorter leashes can cause more leash tension causing worsening reactivity. She is more agitated with the prong in, because prong collars are inherently aversive. They cause pain/discomfort. I would also institute some management strategies while you're waiting to see a trainer. Create distance between your dog, and her trigger, to avoid rehearsal of the behavior. If you can't avoid the trigger, scatter some high value treats to distract her while the trigger passes. I would also start carrying kibble with you and reward her every time she looks at you on a walk. It sounds like she is redirecting on you, I do not have any good suggestions for that, as I have not had to deal with it.

I hope it's something easy but I have a gut feeling this is going to be bad news for some reason.

This sounds like pretty severe resource guarding. The first thing I'd do is get her physical discomfort under control. When dogs are uncomfortable physically, it can be really challenging to make any progress with their behavior. Once that is under control, I'd recommend working with a R+ trainer. If it was just food or toys, you could manage it with baby gates, only having toys in certain areas, etc, but since it seems to be generalized and pretty severe, I don't know how easily you'll be able to manage it on your own. For now, I'd figure out what her threshold is, and stay far enough away that she isn't reacting or guarding, and toss something really high value to her from that distance. No interaction, no pressure. Just toss the food and walk away silently. I'd keep doing that over time. Hopefully, that'll help recondition her response, but resource guarding often has to be managed throughout the dog's life, it's not something that can be fixed completely. I think your best bet is getting a professional involved long term.

Yes it can be so hard but I found that reframing prevented me from becoming resentful

Congratulations! I'm so happy for you guys!!

My dog and I were running through the woods and these two tiny off leash dogs go running after us and the owner asked me to stop running so she could catch her dogs. Like no I'm not stopping it's not my job to teach your dog's recall, and I'm trying to avoid a reaction in my dog

You gave him 9 years of love. I'm sorry this is how it ends, but all he will ever know, is how much he is loved. You have been through so much, he has been through so much. Unfortunately it sounds like he doesn't feel safe in his own head. BE is a merciful thing for dogs who don't feel safe in their own heads. I'm sure he will be loved until the last breath, and when he crosses that rainbow bridge, he will finally feel safe again in his own body.

I don't have any suggestions but I just wanted to say that it sounds like you have been your dog's best advocate for his time with you, and he was very lucky to have you. I hope things go smoothly and I am so sorry for your loss.