Zoee's being aggressive?

[Giselle]

I don't think one can necessarily gauge at what point a dog becomes aggressive, and I think blanket generalizations are unfair. It's good that you're on your guard, but you mustn't keep yourself on your toes just because you have an Akita. Yes, Akitas require certain owners, but it sounds like your pup has been heavily socialized from the beginning and you really need not worry. Should you be proactive and always supervising? Of course, but I would do that with my ultra-friendly-greyhound, too

However, the younger the aggression/reactivity shows, the more likely it is that the problem is genetic. Ivy started showing reactivity at around 6 months. VERY young. Since the beginning, I've always thought she was predisposed to certain behaviors and the fact that her problems arose so early in life tells me that much of it was already ingrained into her. I like dog parks and I advocate for them all the time, but many many dogs are not suitable for dog parks/doggy day care. If your dog is suitable, fine, you're lucky! If not, fine, find another venue.

As for Zoee's problems, Cindy, I'd say try her again but muzzle her. Some people will be put off by it, but I am a firm believer in muzzles for safety's sake. I've seen Zoee at parks before, and she seems very relaxed, so I think these few incidents could definitely be attributed to the Husky incident. Another way to help her is to give her a job. If she's snapping out of fear, give her something constructive to do so that the dog become less of something to fear than just mere distractions. For example, with Ivy, I work a lot of recalls and heeling. Anytime you fear Zoee's going to lash out, recall her and move away from the offending dog. Good luck with that

[Taz_Zoee]

Exactly, luck is what I need. She can not be distracted when we are at the park. Balls and frisbees mean nothing to her. She is a follower and loves to chase any dog that runs. She has also been running over some of the smaller dogs. But my outlook on that is don't bring your small dog into the big dog park if you're worried about them getting ran over. And I've never had an owner get upset for getting "rolled" by Zoee......yet.
I'm not against muzzles, but honestly I don't think I could bring myself to put one on Zoee. She can't even handle a gentle leader over her nose. I'm sure if I had a muzzle on her she would freak out. If we ever "dress" her up with glasses or hats and things she freezes and won't move. And I don't think we are at the point to need a muzzle. I sure hope we NEVER get to that point either.
I guess I could tuck her leash into her collar so she'd be easier to grab. With her long hair it's hard to find her collar quickly.
I'll try the park again in a while. I'm not giving up on it. I am just afraid of her hurting someone elses dog. That would kill me.
I seriously think it was the incident with the Husky. I believe she is afraid that another dog is going to do what the husky did so she is reacting before they have a chance to. Does that make sense? How would I break her of that? Maybe I'll try her on leash and see how she acts for a bit.

Thank you all for your advice and suggestions. I do appreciate them. And I'll keep you updated on our next visit to the park.

[Giselle]

If it is due to the Husky, then it's fear. You summed it up almost perfectly:

I believe she is afraid that another dog is going to do what the husky did so she is reacting before they have a chance to.

That's fear aggression in a nutshell =)

So if it is fear, the two basic suggestions are DS and CC: desensitize and counter condition. At this point, I don't think DS is really all that relevant or necessary, but definitely counter condition strange dogs and think about giving her an alternative job to do.

Does she pay attention to you in public spaces? What about in dog parks? If no to both, then work on basic obed. with distractions. Gradually work your way up to basic obed. in the dog park, away from other dogs. Then, you can do it in the pit of it all. You want to build up her confidence and let her know that other dogs aren't a big deal and that they won't hurt her. If she starts to zone out, take yourself out of the situation and try to do the basic obed. in a quieter place. Alternatively, you could just ask for eye contact/focus. If she's showing a lot of stress signals (sniffing, zoning out, frantically roaming all over the place), take her out of the situation and try to see what her trigger is and at what point the triggers start to get at her.

Aggression is a p.i.t.a to deal with, but it's really rewarding once you work past the nitty gritty Ivy and I can COMPLETELY relate!

[Taz_Zoee]

Oh Sophie, I really need to meet up with you again soon.
Zoee is completely spastic when we even get near the dog park. I have thought about taking her out there but not going INTO the park. But she will go psycho and everyone will think I can't control my dog. The other day on our way out there others were coming toward us from the park and she began to spaz*. So I redirected her and we began to walk WAY around everyone else so she couldn't "see" them. But then a friend called to me so we went over to talk to him.
I have thought about trying the technique I have seen on here before. When she begins to act up turn around and walk the other way. I really need to work on desensitizing her to other dogs even being within eye sight of her. I think that's my first step.
I can take a different direction toward the dog park and not our usual path and work with her that way. I'd like to be able to walk her around the park without any problems before taking her inside. So that will be my goal over the next.....however long it takes, lol. Basic obed here at home and evenutally to the park area. Whew, it's nice to have a plan.
I just hope PT doesn't think I have a horrible dog and I can't control her.

I can't wait to meet up with you as soon as school is out Sophie.

*definition of spaz= she starts whining, the hair on her back goes up, she starts barking and pulling toward the other dog. Sometimes she even kicks her back feet, kicking up dirt and stuff.

[Giselle]

Oooh, I'd love to work with Zoee

She sounds like a classic overstimulated pup. Trust me, I can totally relate!!

Have you done clicker work with her? If not, get started with Doggie Zen (basically, clicking for eye-contact). That'll give you a strong foundation. I actually have a 4 day weekend this weekend, if you want to meet up. I could also bring Ivy as a demo dog =)

(PSST - how far are you from Martinez? Our classes are there, and we have a 1 hr free practice at the facility this Sunday, if that works for you)

ETA: I think Briones is near you. I've never been there, but my trainer tells me it's like a trail. I do bring Ivy to trails and that works really well for her because she has a job (always stick by me), so when we see other dogs, she'll sniff them for 3 seconds and then run back to me.

[Taz_Zoee]

I PM'd you Sophie!