Possesive Dog to Dog aggression. Please Help.

[Christen1285]

Strummer apparently used to live happily with two chihuahuas, so it's not just small dogs... Will obedience class help the possessiveness? I know it'll definitely be beneficial in other areas for Strummer, but right now the possession she displays for her owners is my main concern... since it seems to escalate her to violence. And how does a dog get so possessive over owners she's only known for 6 hours?

[Karen]

Yes, it will absolutely helps the possessive behavior. She decided within arrival that she was top dog, your mum-in-law was hers to protect and rule, and no one has told her otherwise! Obedience training will certainly help that, and will help your mum-in-law and you deal with the aggression when it happens.

[Christen1285]

Okay, good.

If I for some reason cannot convince my in-laws to do an obedience class with her, what can/should I do when this happens? And what can I do to prevent it from happening.

My Mother-in-law is certain that if they play outside a few times it'll be fine, I don't think she sees how Strummer has become possessive of her, not just the house and toys. However Strummer oddly enough didn't mind when my dog was at her food...

[Karen]

Sign her up - and go with her a few times, make it a "fun together" time. It is hard, but as she is the one Strummer is focussed on, I don't think there is anything you can do without her participation.