Jen,
You really need to also seek professional help for everything dealing with Hope, for her sake. Not everyone can just take on a rescue-it takes a lot. I did it-but as I said before I wouldn't wish that on anyone; learning as they go is NOT a good idea. You should be working with rescues groups, trainers, behaviorist etc and after assisting in learning to work with rescues of various natures with various issues then consider taking on one yourself. That is after also considering if you have the time and fiances to do so...
Having said all that here's a couple things to consider not without considering the aforementioned of course:
1.Yes, get her fixed-it will help her behavior as well as health issues. Especially dominance-even fearful dogs have dominance issues...
2. Are toys treat etc around-if so remove them, nothing that can cause dominance issues or be fought over-even the attention or affection of people. I'm confused as you said you waked them all together it's strange this is an issue now unless it's over territory, her establishing her place in the pack or over something:toys, food, bed, attention etc.
3. She needs to be immediately removed at the first hint of aggression towards anyone-she'll learn doggy time out is not fun
Time out-should be a couple minutes at the most separated from everyone:dogs people etc-completely unable to see anyone-taking away love is the worse punishment for dogs even those who fear people...
4.Are you making sure everyone is calm prior to being in contact with her? Like you BF is not in any mood or too excited-dogs sense what we can't. Also exercise your two before allowing them around her so they are especially mellow. She also needs to be exercised prior to be more tired equating to more calm.
5. You may also want to ensure that her aggression isn't because of a medical issue-is she on new meds now-something is hurting her, I used Mellow Mut for my dog other things work but that along with consideration of a soft muzzle should be last resorts-if you do use a mood behavior drug please go the homeopathic route since she has so many health concerns.
6. Keep everyone safe-but you haven't had her very long so give it time maybe she is feeling stressed and pushed-not with just training, but transitioning and all her medical stuff from your original posts about her it seems this type of situation is completely new to her-most rescues need to be in a single dog home-them being the only dog during their rehab time if not forever... |