posted 05-10-2003 02:46 PM           

A week and a half ago we adopted a 1 1/2 year old (or so) female golden retriever mix from the shelter. She had been adopted out as a puppy and then returned because of behavior problems (and because they let her get pregnant! She had the litter.), one of which was being violent towards other dogs. The shelter worker (who seemed to know the dogs well and spent a lot of time with us) said that she had not seen Molly exhibit aggression towards other dogs. This is very important, because my aunt, who is blind and has a guide dog, visits me, and I _cannot_ have a dog that will attack my aunt's trained companion! Molly's other behavior problems: jumping up, mouthing, seemed trainable. The previous owners had never worked with her--she wasn't even housetrained when we brought her home.

On walks, Molly lunges at other dogs. The two times the owners and I have agreed to let them say "hi" Molly approaches with hackles up, but tail down, sniffs the dog, intitiates what seems to be "play" and then when the other dog responds playfully, growls deeply and snaps at the head of the other dog. I bought a Gentle Leader headcollar, which as worked wonders for leash pulling, etc., but when confronted with another dog Molly does not respond to any commands, including sit, leaps up on her hind legs and pulls backward. She almost pulled herself and me into an oncoming car; I had to literally put all my strength into the halter and YANK, dragging her, which I know you're not supposed to do, to get her out of the way.

Today I was playing with Molly in the kitchen (kicking a ball around) and she nipped me on the legs three times, despite being given "sit" and "no bite" commands.

Obviously I feel terrible about this, just awful. She's intelligent and has responded (well, sorta--it has only been a short time, after all) to training thus far. She shows little interest in us when we're around the house, usually just sleeping in the living room. She doesn't play with any of the toys I've gotten her on her own, not balls, bones, or her rope bone. I have to initiate play, and she ends it almost immediately, taking the toy and going to the corner of the room.

I've enrolled in obedience classes, but how can I take a dog that attacks other completely non-threatening dogs!?!

Have I not given her enough time? I knew a shelter dog would have problems, and I'm willing to deal with everything UP TO attacking other dogs and biting (even nipping) people.

posted 05-10-2003 07:54 PM           

Right now have her ignore the other dogs passing by on walks. Forget socializing at this point, wait until she is comfortable and has started forming a bond with you first. Don't even introduce her to your Aunts dog until later on. I'm guessing that your Aunts dog was trained not to play and socialize with other dogs so will be giving off different 'signals' to Molly. If you have some friends with well behaved dogs you could start out with leashed walks with Molly, friend and another dog. That way there isnt face-to-face intros but a way of getting her used to other dogs presence without confrontation.

What would be good to do is pick up some books that are about dog behavior and body language. This will help you read into her body signals & posturing and help you recognize when she is not comfortable and when she might play with others. I can't think of any titles off hand now, but maybe others can give recommendations.