Please Help!! Our dog is aggressive towards us.

[Heather1031]

We adopted a Rat Terrier from a rescue group almost 2 months ago. They said she was very friendly with kids and others. They had her about 3 months she was found on the side of the road staved and dieing. She is about 3 yrs. She has a lame leg due to a brake early on in her life that was never fixed. She gets around very well on it. She also has a divot out of the center of her right eye. We knew about this before we got her it’s what draw us to her. When we picked her up and brought her home she was the sweetest dog. She loves to be held and to just sit with us she never leaves the yard and stay right by us at all times. Then out of the blue a few weeks ago she started growling and trying to attack at my husband. He couldn’t even walk into a room without her going crazy. We were hoping with lots of love and patience she would stop. But this is not the case. Just last Sat. I walked in from being out side with her when she began to do the same to me, now I can’t go anywhere in my house that she is at without her being aggressive towards me. I have a 13yr old daughter, 11 yr old son and a 3 yr old daughter who she “still” adores. She sleeps with the 13 yr old every night and follows her around. She is such a sweet little dog. But when my daughter tries to get her to stop growling and attacking she bits at her and has bitten her, she has not broken skin, “Yet”.

Anyway I don’t know what to do. I am scared that she will turn on one of my children next and my husband and I don’t want a dog that is aggressive to us. She is also very aggressive to other people that come over and all other dogs. I don’t want to get rid of her but I don’t know what to do. We can’t afford a dog trainer or classes. Any advise would be much appreciated.

[C. CHRISTY]

Hi. I have a Jack/Fox Terrier blend. I found a lot of help on a breed web site. Try going here. www.dogbreedinfo.com/ratterrier.htm
Maybe she thinks the kids are hers. My Mike dog (thats his name). Did not like Men at all. It took along time for Mike to come around. We have only had him for 1 year and he is 3 years old. Take control now or she will train you, if in fact your dog isn't sick. Good Luck Chris

[Heather1031]

Take control now or she will train you, if in fact your dog isn't sick. Good Luck Chris

What do you mean "sick"?

[KittyGurl]

Well, first off, is your dog spayed? If not, get her spayed. She will be happier and less aggersive. Try taking your dog to obiedence class or a dog specialist. Maybe you can train her. Another thing I'm thinking is: maybe she is being territorial. Good luck and keep us updated.

[Heather1031]

Well, first off, is your dog spayed? If not, get her spayed.

Yes, she is spayed. About an hour ago I slowly went over to her speaking softly to her and touched her back. She started yelping like I had just hurt her and she peed on the couch. I am so sad about this.

[anichka5]

I would most definitely give your vet a call. It is quite possible that she is ill, and the agressiveness is her way of "acting out" in order to get your attention. I often wish my dogs could talk and tell me what's wrong when they aren't well. This just seems so very sudden, that I am concerned that she really is ill, and I don't think I would wait much longer.

Hope it all works out. Rat terriers are so adorable, and it was good of you to adopt her. I'm a four-chihuahua mom myself, so I love all of the little ones.

Anne