Seeking Advice About Abused Dog

I agree with a few people's responses here. First of all, if the dog was abused, they never forget. They have a long memory for that sort of thing, and who can blame them. I have two adopted dogs and one has nipped at worker's heels and ankles, and the other one is terrified and submits. I believe that the dog is trying to protect his family and his home. But you also can't have the dog attacking people coming into your home. I would suggest keeping the dog confined in another room if you have workmen coming in. I'm not sure I agree with the "no tolerance for aggression" statement someone else has stated, because what if the dog really did need to protect you? There has to be a happy medium, and I am sure that a trainer could give you advice on that.

I know how you feel though. My one dog nipped at the pizza boy the other day. It is so mortifying!

I too have adopted a puppy, now 6 months old. I don't believe he's ever been abused, but he is definitely showing some signs of aggression. I was told that "normal" obedience school will not work on the aggression issue. So...today we have a woman coming to our house to observe him, play with him, see how we interact with him. She will give us a game plan on how to stop this behavior before he REALLY bites someone. I love this puppy, but I WILL NOT have an animal around that will put my kids (& strangers) in danger. This woman has a master's degree in Animal Behavior and was referred to me by someone that has been a dog training for 20 years. I'll let you know how it goes today and give you her info.

I took my dog to some obedience training and her advice was "no tolerance for aggression". Possibly your dog is scared, however, you should enroll her in a class ASAP or something unfortunate could happen. If she bites someone, the decision will be out of your hands.

P.,

I am the owner of an aggressive 11 year old German Shepherd. She's always been very protective of me and I've known it from a very young age (I got her as an 8 week puppy). I took Sydney through extensive obedience training when she was younger and stuck with it for about 5 years or so. She was trained perfectly...I didn't even need a leash to walk her. She obeyed hand and verbal signals instantly.

Even with all the training she had, she was still very protective of me and aggressive with other dogs. That's just who she is. To this day, when people come to our house - friends, family or strangers - both of our dogs (we also have a very sweet but large Black German Shepherd) are put in their room. If people want to see our dogs, I'll let Raven out (black one) to visit. Sydney stays in her room as I just don't want to take the risk. She's not vicious or anything and she's not confined to her room for my close relatives whom she knows. But, for the seldom visitors and strangers (or any kids) she's better left where there can't be an accident.

If you would like to try and work with your dog to be better around people, contact a professional dog trainer. We took Sydney to TOPS in Grayslake, IL and they were amazing.

Good luck.

T.

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P.-
We also have a wonderful Beagle that we strongly suspect was abused. He has a particular fear of men (probably the earlier abuser). He does not nip, but keeps his distance from them. Over time he has warmed up to the men in his life but still is leary of other men. Having been abused, I don't think a dog (or person) really ever gets 100% over it. Any chance you could just keep him contained elsewhere when the workman is there? A trick that mailpeople use is to have small treats and VERY slowly engage the dog in a friendly manner. Another is for you to hold the dog and talk reasuredly to him when the workman comes into the room/yard. Greet the workman at a distance, showing the dog that he is a friend. Each day get a little closer to the workman. Let the workman throw a treat out for the dog. Inch in closer day by day. Good luck.