Mine was a little different than what you are talking about. We had two females and the dominant one took a dislike to the other when they were in heat and attacked her on several occasions. Once when I tried to break them up I got bit as well. I cried and cried. So I know how upsetting it can be.
We went to a vet/behavior person who explained the NILF program. I also learned that the time I was bit, my dog was very angry with me for interfering with her attack on the other dog. For us, it was a dominance issue. I had to become the pack leader and make the dominant female submissive to me.
However, I must tell you that in the end we had to re-home the other female, for other reasons, but we were never able to completely break this cycle. I was told a good outcome had only a "fair" chance by the behaviorist. We have not had any further problems since we re-homed the other female.
But while you work it out, I really would suggest a muzzle. When our dominant female wore the muzzle she never even tried to be aggressive. You could put it on in the evening before bed, or when you know there will be others around. It won't change the behavior behind the aggressiveness, but at least you and others won't get hurt.
I feel so bad for both of you. It is a hard thing to deal with, especially when you love the dog and can't part with it. Sending all my good wishes.
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LaVail Yorkshire Terriers |