Min Pin mix suddenly aggressive

[Rebecca1121]

I adopted a 2 year old Min Pin/Terrier mix in January from the Humane Society, and the only history they gave me was that Kayla was dominated by another dog in the same household (which is the reason that she was dropped at the Humane Society). She is a very sweet dog, loved by all the doggy neighbors, even if she's a little submissive.

Recently (in the last 6 weeks or so) she has been demonstrating tremendous fear, which I associated to Miami's rainy season. The thunder sends Kayla into a corner of the house or under the bed, and it usually takes many days for her to recover. However, now we have an additional problem! In the last 3 days, Kayla has been very aggressive with other dogs, even dogs that are familiar. She growls loudly, shows her teeth and throws both paws in the air. She has NEVER demonstrated any kind of aggressive behavior before -- not around food, not around toys, never around people, and she used to love playing with other dogs. Ever since the storm season started, Kayla is a different dog.

Any recommendations? I've purchased Rock Rose, which is supposed to calm the dog during thunderstorms, but I'm very worried about the aggressive behaviors. I live in a pet-friendly neighborhood. I just want my dog back!

Thanks -
Rebecca (desperate for help)

[Dorothy39]

I'm not the Dog Whisperer, sorry.

The FEAR that your dog recently experienced may have triggered a survival mechanism. She was/is submissive because in her previous household, there was this horrible dominance to contend with. The former life was so stressful, so, she learned submissiveness equals survival. . Now that she lives in a safer environment,(no threats) she has been able to grow with a new sense of idenity. Then, the storms came, awakening the submission all over again. Even though she knows the others dogs, she reverts back to a younger time, but this time , she can react more assertive when frightened.Thus, establishing a rank in the pecking order of things. The other dogs might sense her confusion. However, they don't seem to sense the same " impending danger "at the moment she displays the aggression, (Because, there isn't any danger at the moment to them).

I'm just wondering, is your dog saying: Get away from me, because, I am confused with my status right now. Do I even make sense

[DrKym]

Anytime you pup acts so far out of character I would recommend a vet visit, I would first rule out any med problems that you may be unaware of, causing her additional stress and confusion, If all checks well run it past him/her and see if they have treated anyone with this problem and what steps they used to correct it. Just a side note over the years I have found that a safe crafe works wonders for my dogs. If she isn't already crate trained maybe introducing her to one and allowing her that secure den may be the trick.

[mruffruff]

A crate is a good idea. My 14 year old likes to snooze in his crate at odd times, but especially when he feels threatened--like when he hears thunder.
For Samson, the crate is his place, safe from noises, other dogs and even me. I leave the door open so he can go in whenever he wants to. He has his blanket and peace. I only close the door when he gets crazy at night and won't let me sleep.

If you use a wire crate, cover it with a sheet.

[Rebecca1121]

Thanks for the advice! The pup is certainly crate trained (by previous family) but she doesn't hide there when the storms come through. She feels more comfortable in the corner of the kitchen for some reason, even though she likes to sleep in the crate regardless of weather conditions. On occasion I'll find her under the bed hiding, but she knows that I don't like her being under there so she'll come out right away when I call her.

I think I agree with Dorothy39 -- I think my dog is telling the other animals that she's scared at the time she gets aggressive. Other dogs approaching her almost immediately causes her to begin growling, and when they get too close she shows her teeth and barks. I'm just wondering the best way to prevent her from doing it or (more likely) discipline her when she has done it.

Thanks again for your help! This is very upsetting for all of us.

[BOBS DAD]

I Don't Know The Subconscious Meaning Behind Her Sudden Aggressive Nature But I Can Say That Both Dog Breeds You Mentioned - Min Pin And Terrier Tend To Be Assertive Aggressive Dogs. Sorry You Min Pin Owners... But Every Min Pin I Have Known Has Been Very High Strung And Everyone Knows How Stubborn And Assertive Terriers Can Be. Good Luck!!!