Tasha has a behaviour problem

[Freedom]

Tasha is my 4 year old foster bichon, rescued from a puppy mill. She lived in another foster home for 2 weeks. Didn't work out, she and the 10 y/o boy couldn't get along.

Tasha came around to my Dad in 3 HOURS. She is still timid with me, it has been 9 days. Three nights or so back, she started sleeping on Dad's bed.

As of last night, Dad's bed is HERS, she is either scared to death or protecting Dad, not sure which. I had to go in there about 2 hours after they went to bed. I was talking to her, to let her know I was coming in. Didn't matter. She rushed to the foot of the bed snarling and growling at me! I immediately turned my back to her, "non aggressive posture." She kept at it. Dad had to hug her and hold her. I slowly backed to the bed and sat. We stayed like that until she calmed down. She went to behind Dad, so she had him between us.

Happened again at 6 this morning. Marlin wakes me up to let him out, then he USUALLY goes up on Dad's bed. She charged to the foot of the bed snarling, Marlin bolted so fast! I went in, she kept it up. Now applying NILIF, Dad should have removed her from the bed, but that is not easy for him. So we worked to calm her down, and eventually I removed her from the bed, and teh bedroom, closed the door.

I took her to MY bed, lol, she hasn't been up there before. Sugar and Lacey just sighed. Within moments, she was snuggled next to me! So I think she is very fearful still.

After 15 minutes or so, Sugar had to make her morning trip, so I took all 3 of them outdoors. (I carried Tasha, because she is afraid of doorways and will NOT go out on her own.) Once they came back in, I returned to bed, Tasha stayed in the living room.

Next time I woke up and got up to stay up, I got Tasha (not easy as she won't come to me), opened Dad's door and put her back on his bed. An hour later when he got up, he left her there. Eventually, she whined to get down, so I was the one to go in and get her down.

Anyone with any thoughts, ideas, suggestions, I would really appreciate it. IN her first home, it took her a week to get from this to snapping and biting the boy, I do NOT want her to get to that point again. (She got bounced out of the home and the rescue group, landed in a boarding kennel until I could get approved as a foster for the new rescue group which took her on. I don't need to tell you what TWO strikes may mean for her)

[cassiesmom]

*prayers for Natasha to get along with everyone

[pomtzu]

It sounds like a territorial issue. After her terrible existence as a breeder dog and no one she could call her own, it seems that she has claimed Dad as her protector. Is there some kind of behavior modification class that she might benefit from? She most likely is just very insecure and needs help in overcoming this. I hope you can get her to come around and able to trust you.

[Vela]

To be honest I think she would be better off to start in a crate and not on anyone's bed, along with the NILIF. If she is that territorial it could end up bad for her if she continues that type of behavior. She can't ever be allowed to behave that way, and if she claims beds or other territories she could bite anyone at any time for getting in her "place". The crate would giver her her own safe place to be where she can be protected. Also by your father petting her and loving on her when she's being aggressive, that is reinforcing the behavior. Also, you taking her and letting her snuggle up to you after that behavior is another reward. I know you feel sorry for her because of her past, but your actions now could mean a future or not for the little girl. It's not mean to give them a crate, I think it would be the best thing and would help the situtation.

Edited to add: I hope you guys get it figured out and she responds well!

[Freedom]

Thanks for the good wishes, and for the ideas, Vela. I did think Dad's response was incorrect, did not recognize my own as such.

I will consider using a crate, have one her size. I've also thought maybe using the water squirt bottle will help. Need to think on it some and decide what to do for tonight.

[Daisy and Delilah]

I'm no behavioral expert for sure but.....that's exactly how Delilah acts when she has one of her toys and sees Daisy coming towards her. I have to take the toy and hide it from her. She acts like she wants to attack Daisy in a hateful way. I don't know if she's trying to protect/defend the toy or defend the area. Or, is she just wanting to be mean to Daisy at that particular time? That's the only time she gets aggressive with her sister. I always think D and D have issues with who has the higher rank between the two of them. Daisy was here first and Delilah is pretty bossy anyway. Maybe Natasha is trying to be the top dog of the Bichon pack?? I'm very illiterate with these things.

Best of luck with the situation, Sandie.