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Summer2011Bride
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Please help! Fear/aggression issues
in Pets
We
just adopted a 1.5 year old black lab mix from the shelter four days
ago. We don't know anything about her background. She was super friendly
at the shelter around all the people and when we have taken her out in
public--twice to PetSmart and once to Vet--she has been friendly to
everyone, kissed their hands, etc.
We had some people over for NYE last night. Suffice it to say, we should not have had a gathering only three days after adopting a dog. That was stupid on our part. But she had been so good around strangers, we weren't that worried. She was absolutely fine around the girls--would kiss them, let them pet her, etc. But she was TERRIFIED of the men and after awhile, acted aggressively.
She started by just barking at them incessantly (three total, but just two came first and the third not til later). We tried having them get down on their knees, giving her treats, etc. At one point H put her on her leash and she was OK with the guy she hated the most. Seemed unsure but laid her head on his lap, took a treat from him, etc. But off the leash, she went frantic. She began running around the room terrified, tried to crawl up my arm to get away, and eventually, when he stuck his hand out toward her, she snapped at him. Didn't bite, but snapped. Needless to say, we sent all our guests home. She was perfectly fine once everyone left and is her normal self today.
So I'm at a loss. Do you think we need a behavior therapist? Talk to the vet to rule out medical issues (though I doubt it's that if it's only toward men in our home). I want to be able to eventually have my parents meet her and have friends over, but I don't want to put her through that again. I know she was just acting out of fear and absolutely terrified and only snapped as a last resort because she felt cornered. I just want to help her so she doesn't get traumatized if we have someone at the house (which we won't be doing for a while now)
We had some people over for NYE last night. Suffice it to say, we should not have had a gathering only three days after adopting a dog. That was stupid on our part. But she had been so good around strangers, we weren't that worried. She was absolutely fine around the girls--would kiss them, let them pet her, etc. But she was TERRIFIED of the men and after awhile, acted aggressively.
She started by just barking at them incessantly (three total, but just two came first and the third not til later). We tried having them get down on their knees, giving her treats, etc. At one point H put her on her leash and she was OK with the guy she hated the most. Seemed unsure but laid her head on his lap, took a treat from him, etc. But off the leash, she went frantic. She began running around the room terrified, tried to crawl up my arm to get away, and eventually, when he stuck his hand out toward her, she snapped at him. Didn't bite, but snapped. Needless to say, we sent all our guests home. She was perfectly fine once everyone left and is her normal self today.
So I'm at a loss. Do you think we need a behavior therapist? Talk to the vet to rule out medical issues (though I doubt it's that if it's only toward men in our home). I want to be able to eventually have my parents meet her and have friends over, but I don't want to put her through that again. I know she was just acting out of fear and absolutely terrified and only snapped as a last resort because she felt cornered. I just want to help her so she doesn't get traumatized if we have someone at the house (which we won't be doing for a while now)
Re: Please help! Fear/aggression issues
It sounds like anxiety about men. A behaviorist can definitely help, but there are some things you can try first.
Have a male friend (preferably someone very comfortable around dogs) come over on his own (no party, just him). Put some VERY yummy treats (preferably something she's never had before, and will ONLY get when doing these exercises, like boiled chicken, or cheese) by the door. Have him come in. He shouldn't give her any attention. No eye contact, no petting. Just have him randomly toss the treats in her direction. Keep the visit short, but do it at least once a week (doesn't have to be the same guy every time).
This will hopefully desensitize her, and help form a positive association with men. As time goes on, you can try introducing contact (short, non-threatening gestures, like non-threatening eye contact, extending a hand for her to sniff, then a chin scratch, etc.).
Sounds like at the party, she was "flooded" with her anxiety trigger, and that can exacerbate the problem.
No Behavior Specialist is needed. I think it was too much in a too new environment.
When you take her out in public, it is in public. At home, most dogs will be protective or at least territorial. It makes a big difference, where the dog is.
Get some sirloin or treats of equal value and feed her those out of the hand. Don't throw them or place the treats down. Feed them out of your palm. She will get used to the idea that your hand isn't bad. This may work with frequent visitors too.
After she gets used to you, you may want to try a visitor scenario in a controlled environment at home. You may not need treats at all. You may need some time to establish family hierarchy. You only had her few days.
First of all way to much stimulation for a new dog at one time. She has been at a shelter for how long? Then she comes to a new home new smells and new family, way too much for her. I would not have too many people meet her at one time if anything I would wait a while and let her get used to her new surroundings first. She has some issues with men as you can see and maybe who ever dropped her of at the shelter never told them, different settings dogs can act differently. See how it goes and if no luck then I would talk to a behaviorist, I have a friend who is one and sometimes even just talking to them and getting some pointers can help so you do the correct thing and not wait and do the wrong thing first.
Hope all goes well!!