Quote Originally Posted by Lyn View Post
I, too, am working with a recently rescued dog (German Sheperd/beagle) who may have been abused, maybe in a fighting ring. She is VERY aggressive with other dogs and cats (barking, lunging, trying to make contact). She tries to jump on people but is not aggressive towards them. She is smart and responds to "drop it", "sit", "no bites- kisses", and "let's go in" In our home, she is playful, loving, trusting, and defers to us (goes on back for belly rub) when getting her food, waiting to go out, and when just hanging out with us. I noticed she is VERY anxious (crying, pacing) when she hears any bell-like sound on TV. That, combined with her aggression, the fact that she lost an eye due to a "vicious attack" (description from her first animal shelter in Virginia) made me wonder about the fighting background. We are intruducing people slowly and am taking advantage of an individual obedience class from the local shelter to which she was transferred. She was in quarantine for rabies just two days before we adopted her so she hasn't had a home nor positive, playful experiences with other dogs her entire life. before she left the shelter, she was described as being noisy with other dogs but the timing didn't allow them to work with her to socialize before we adopted her. She's a wonderful girl with a HUGE heart. Has anyone had any similar experiences and ideas?
I do think she would get a huge benefit from a "puppy kindergarten" type beginner's class - she already knows the commands, but a class is just as much about socialization and learning to behave around other dogs, and building trust between dog and owner. If classes are not readily available where you are, I would try approaching friends with relaxed, friendly dogs and ask about setting up some "play dates, or walks together, and just work very carefully on socialization. I am guessing a lot of her "aggression" is fear based, and who can blame her?