fear aggression

[Daisy and Delilah]

I hope you can find out what's bothering her. It sure seems like she's been doing this for awhile. I hope she's not in pain or hurting in any way. Maybe arthritis or something? Good luck in finding out what's wrong.

[*LabLoverKEB*]

Good for you on calling a behavorist. Hope everything goes well, and works out for you & Runner.

I'm not sure if Rita is fear agressive or not, but she is VERY agressive with other dogs, not including Sadie. Rita must not relize that Sadie is a dog, too. I would love to have the Dog Whisperer rehabilitate her. He seems to know his stuff.

[areias]

Start on your NILIF training too...believe me, it helps. I would also try not to do anything to encourage any kind of nipping as far as you can help it until the behaviorist can give you some help.

Here's a link to the NILIF. It's easier than you think.
http://k9deb.com/nilif.htm

[ashleycat]

They want $700 for 2 week in boarding session. She says she has been abused They want half if I take her in, then pay what I can after.

Will nilf fix this? I know it worked for Charlie, but how will it not make her scared. I know the lady said she needs socialization socialization socialization.

Guess we'll be going to the park a lot more.

[tikeyas_mom]

how old is she? what breed is she? Have you had her long? Do you know who her past owners were? I hope that this can be fixed

[ashleycat]

4 yrs. Aussie mix. I've had her will be a year Aug I believe. Last 2 owners returned her because...

One she didn't jog with her (stupid reason)
two.. the lady got sick

So I have her. She's a really good cuddler.

But if I tried to pick her up, she will be scared of me for a few days. She will let me near and pet, but when I walk to her she gets low.

[borzoimom]

The problem here is that you do not know why she is afraid of being picked up- could be that was dropped and afraid of heights, that she was picked up and beaten, or shoved forceably in a cage etc. Once she gains your trust, picking her up will be easier- but every time you try, you are setting her back to ground zero!
I have mentioned my Affenpincher rescue several times ( Crikket). She and her sister 'crispy' were living in an abandand house that caught on fire-- they rescued both dogs- but had to be carried down a ladder. Of course- she also got burned. She associated being picked up with be terrified and hurt for MONTHS!! I just never picked her up- EVER- IF THAT MEANT as said by applesmom- she had to wear a thin leash to drag around- and when I needed her- I would slowly, calmly take the lead, and get down on the floor and call her with treats in hand. It took weeks for her to easily come on the leash without forcing her. It takes time and patience. One day I went to get the lead, and she came right to me before I even touched the lead.. ( I WAS DOING THE CONGO INSIDE... LOL).. I didnt pick her up- keeping the behavior of coming with me at the level she could cope mentally. One day she jumped up in my lap when I was on the couch reading.. Had to get up and went to move her over, instead I realized her body was relaxed- so I gently stood up, talking very low, and just held her. We walked into the kitchen and got a treat- then I walked back to the couch, sat back down, and slowly, gently released my arms so she could leave if she wanted to -she stayed in my arms..
As far as " she gets low" when I walk her- do not make eye contact with her directly, take slow breaths- gentle sighs like, and just wherever you go is slow and casual. Go the same route every single time- same path- walk along- you just glance around- .. This glancing to a dog is a " I accept you, and ignoring you as you are doing what I want..". I had the same problem with femka- she would act nervous on the leash to go potty, and would not go. I used this method- and she got the point within a matter of days- however I had to keep up this behavior for about a month so she would go..
I would not send her somewhere for any length of time. Have the woman work with you what to do - but remember- the poor dog has already had at least 4 homes by now- the one the dog was born in, the one that gave her up, and the two returns- and now YOU MAKE 5 HOMES! No wonder her trust is rocky now.. Keep her home with help, but remember- she really needs to feel like she can trust you and wont do this scary picking up which means God only knows what to her..
Working with a shy rescue takes time.. Stability in the same home gives the key.. This socialize, socialize socialize to me sounds like 'flooding' and I have seen that method back fire more than help. Take this step by step- first get her to understand by the methods I said above- that taking the lead doesnt mean she is going to get "picked by the dragon lady", then in walking the glancing away = calm sighs, gentle talk, and the same pattern of where you go.. EVERY TIME- SAME PATTERN of where she goes. After she is comfortable with this- then we can expand her horizon. Right now- work on the problems..