Terriers of any type are very protective of their family. As your mom lived alone for a while with the dog, she became his "pack" to protect.
Here's an story from my childhood. My father worked second shift and I would fall asleep in mom's bed (I was 9) and dad would carry me to bed. That is until we got Judy our Airedale. She became so protective of my mom and me that she wouldn't let him near me to pick me up. Now, she loved my dad and obviously knew him as we all lived together but, she was still protective of me.
Now I have Loki and, while he won't growl, if hubby comes to hand me something, Loki will get between us to make sure it is "safe". He also follows me from room to room.
I'd suggest spending time on the floor playing with the dog. Also, at first, when your mom takes the dog for a walk, go with her and then have her hand you the leash. Eventually have her walk behind you so that you are between the dog and her.
Her dog will never stop being completely protective of her - and really would you want him to - but you can all learn to live together. |