[Tammy Poling]

Chloe is a 4 year old that we have acquired from my ex-husband 2 days ago. She is adapting very well to our home and our potty training. She was locked in a bathroom at her previous home with little to no human interaction, because no one "had time" or wanted to make the time to make her part of their family. The only problem that we are having is her attacking my shih tzus. My girls are older 10 & 12, an are very sweet laid back dogs, they are very used to being around other dogs. Chloe has viciously attacked them both more than once since she has been here, my poor girls won't even come downstairs when she is down there. We are keeping them separated by a gate at the moment and hoping that she will get used to them that way, but this morning I had taken chloe out to go potty and as we walked in the front door one of my girls was standing near the door and before I could even think Chloe had latched onto her face, just missing her eye and was just growling the meanest growl you could imagine from such a little thing. Chloe was still on her leash so I was able to easily get them apart and correct her with a firm 'NO", then put her in her little play pen for a time out. Am I handling this correctly? It is very strange because there have been times that she just smells their butt and goes on her way, then there are times that she will smell their butt and latch onto their hind quarters like a maniac. Any help and suggestions from some one who has gone through this would be much appreciated.