Fear Aggression...HELP !

[Fear Aggression -HELP!]

We adopted Gypsy (female) about 1 year ago from a humane society. She was about 6 months old and had been a stray all her life. I also noticed scars from old bites and some newer scabs actually just healing over so it is obvious the kind of life she had. At the time, we had one other rescue (male.) We have since adopted a 3rd rescue (male.) They all LOVE each other....!!! Gypsy LOVES EVERYONE and everything...animal, man, cat you name it....but unless any passing stranger allows us to sit with them and their dog for 10 minutes at least, their is just a 'freakout session' by Gypsy. 9 out of 10 people DO NOT want to be anywhere near her when she is freaking out so I can't get them to stop for even 10 minutes! We have tried just about everything to help with Gypsy's fear aggression towards any other animals.... If she can be near them for even 10 minutes, she is happy as all get out. But seperate her from the strange dog/animal again and she goes right back to her horrible fear aggression as though she never even saw the animal before....till another 10 minutes of meeting the very same animal -close up and 'calming down' happensagain. Walks are impossible...and I mean it. She is a complete freak even if she smells another dog with 1/2 mile!! She has the most piercing scream you go deaf completely-- and her barking is horrible- people think WE are doing soemthing to her and they look at us in amazment like, "WHAT are you doing to that DOG!!?" Even though they are looking at the same thing we are right there...which is Gypsy, freaking out while our other 2 dogs are trying to enjoy the walk--- ahe even has them doing it now --somewhat. Any suggestions? Delete Comment

[GabrielDeafBlindPupFamily]

Desensitization is the key to most behavioural problems. Short lead. Other dog on short lead. Victoria teaches the sit and pay attentin command while treating for non-responsive behaviour. First you must train to get attention. Clicker is good. Verbal is better. When she focuses on you, click and immediately treat. She will associate the click with a treat. Teach focus first.

There is also corrective behaviour. When pup acts out, a sharp snap on the lead and then praise when attention is diverted to you.

Also, there is sound distraction. Loud obnoxious sound. When she stops, praise and treat.

She seriously needs desensitization. Let me know how you progress through various methods what works and what doesn't work.

[Fear Aggression -HELP!]

Many thanks for your suggestion.
We have tried forms of this with treats and verbal praise.
So far, works for a quick moment but she returns just as strong to
the behavior. She won't go near the treat even ...she just keeps
trying to find a way to whine loudly and turns away .. you can't even force it into her mouth! LOL
Sounds like some 'before we go out in public' (training in-house) needs to be done first. I will give it more continuous concerted efforts now,
since you've mentioned its benefits.
I just have to be more steadfast at it-- than she is, with her fear. !!
She is very strong minded....very very much so.
Many thanks for taking the time here---
I WILL keep in touch w any progress on it.

[Susan Sadeghian]

Maybe walk her seperatly and at a time when no other dogwalkers would be caught dead walking their dogs. Thats when our neighboers who have one dog friendly and one dog aggressive jrt walk their dogs. Jane is aggressive, Eddie is friendly,they do deserve some family time together so she walks them together at times but Eddie deserves not to be denied k9 frindships so she also walks them seperatley and Jane walks seperatly late at night or early morning after most kids curfew times.

[Gloria]

First thing, you are doing the right thing in trying to socialize her. Instead of trying to get her accustomed to other dogs, find a favorite toy that you can distract her with. By repeatedly distracting her, she will learn to focus on you instead of the other dog, which should help her remain calmer. She may always have some trouble with dogs she doesn't know considering her history, but you can help her remain calmer. Good luck!!!!!

Glo

[Fear Aggression -HELP!]

UPDATE: Gypsy has found the perfect home! She is happier than she has ever been now. She has a HUGE yard that she feels safe in, as well as many different dogs coming and going that she plays with on a level longer than what she would experience quickly on a walk. She also has 2 sister doggies!! She is loved as much as we loved her, if not more! We go to visit her too and we bring her 2 brothers with to play. She has overcome her problem because she has consatnt stimulation in a safe yard with her fur buddies all around her. She goes in and out all day long. She lives like royalty and I am so grateful we came to know this wonderful lady who fell in love with Gypsy and was able to offer her what she needed.
She is so much more relaxed and happy. Thank you all for your help and suggestions.