Fright aggression

[Julie Hubbell]

Molly was rescued in Feb 09 by the Humane Soc. She was a breeder in a puppy mill. She moved in with us at the end of May. For the most part, she's a great dog. She is partially blind due to a neglected eye problem that required surgery on both eyes. When my other dog runs past her, jumps on the couch or bed Molly gets crazy - barking, snarling, biting. It is very scary. I have been able to train her to do many things, but this is one issue that I cannot yet resolve. She also does this when we are out for a walk and we pass another person or dog. I think she is scared, and this is her way of defending herself. I've had her about 6 months - how can I make her feel more secure? I am afraid she will seriously hurt my other dog, or someone else. I will not give her up, but I've been bitten a few times, and so has Bubba.

[Emily]

I think she is protecting herself. She doesn't have the resources (sight) that she used to and that other dogs have to quickly and accurately assess a situation. When she is able to fully trust you as her leader, that you will protect her where she can't protect herself, then she will be more relaxed. For ways to take on the leadership role I highly recommend reading or watching Cesar Millan.
To make her feel more secure and safe in your home I would make sure she has a place of her own that Bubba or any children or other pets can't disturb or bother her. I took in a family dog 4 weeks ago and bought her a crate that my other dog is not allowed in. She didn't really warm up to the crate but she did find a cozy little spot in the closet in the bedroom that she likes, so that's where her bed is now. Molly and Bubba both need to know that your and Bubba's home is now just as much Molly's as it is Bubba's.
Good luck, keep us updated.

[Cheryl aka Purr]

I second that shes trying to defend herself. As from a puppy mill she didnt have a good socialization with day to day life, and as has visual issues to boot, she cant see to know whats a threat so sees everything as a threat. What socialization have you done with her since havig her, good for you for rescuing.

Emily has good suggestions to give her an area where shes guarenteed to know shes safe.

I would also focus on her and maybe find a training class where you can work with her one on one, let her know and work with you, often training can build a dogs confidence also.

[Julie Hubbell]

I do agree she is trying to defend herself. Molly has a crate that no other animals are allowed in. For socialization we walk as often as weather permits - her leg muscles are weak, so she cannot walk for too long - we go to the pet supply store to get used to people, we go to the vet for weigh ins (she's on a diet) she also has my other dog Bubba. With her aggression, I have to be careful where we go. I trained with Bark Busters before Molly came to live with us, I am in contact with my trainer, who has given me great advice over the phone. She would not be allowed in a group training class. It is hard to have anyone at the house, Molly barks,snarls, cries the entire time anyone is over. I recently tried a D.A.P. collar on her-still waiting for results-I also put her on a Chinese herb that is to maintain calmness - the vet said that would take about a month to work. I have tried sedatives for when guests arrive-they make her sleepy the day of, but the next day she seems to get more 'mouthy'. I also do not like to sedate her. We have to do that enough to be able to have the vet examine her. For the most part, Molly is a great little dog, but I am unable to take my eyes off her for a second, I do seperate the 2 even to go to the washroom. I do work with Molly daily - we work on 'hugs' to get her used to being handled, I play with her ears and I clean her skin folds (part shar-pei), which freaks her out. We will sit on the floor and I just hold her, telling her 'good girl' we are up to about a minute now. Treats work too, thankfully she likes fruit. My goal is to get her to not attack Bubba when she is scared.

[Darrell]

julie:

I thought you might like to have your photo of molly cropped. Here it is:

[CATHERINE RITLAW]

BE SURE TO HAVE FULL THYROID PANEL DONE ON ANY DOG WITH BEHAVIORAL PROBLEMS SUCH AS FEAR OR AGGRESSION. TRAINING WON'T HELP A DOG WIYH LOW THYROID AS THE CAUSE OF BAD BEHAVIOR. GO TO http://www.hemopet.org or Google Jean Dodds, DVM for the best thyroid info. Catherine Ritlaw, http://www.jeranimalsanctuary.org

[Emily]

WOW IT'S REALLY ANNOYING WHEN PEOPLE TYPE IN ALL CAPS. But testing her thyroid may help with the weight loss too. I'm not knowledgable on the subject at all but I've gotten many suggestions to have my chubby girl's thyroid checked. It helps or is in charge of metabolism.

[CATHERINE RITLAW]

I HAVE BADLY INJURED EYES FROM A LIFETIME OF LYME DISEASE. SORRY YOU DON'T LIKE CAPS, BUT IT IS EASIER FOR ME TO SEE. I RUN AN ANIMAL SANCTUARY WITH 11 RESCUED ANIMALS. WHAT DO YOU DO???

[Julie Hubbell]

I will make sure to have her thyroid checked. Right now I owe the vet about $800.00 for past visits - thankfully I'm able to make payments. When I have the bill lowered a few hundred, I'll have a full blood workup done. I really hope she doesn't have any cronic health problems, she's been through enough. She is such a great little dog, she's very smart also, she picked up potty training in about 4 months, and for a 4 yr old dog, I'm impressed.
I have 'beware of dog' signs all around my yard, I've blocked off any area where anyone could stick their hand in, I disabled my doorbell, put up dark curtains, we play classical music most of the day, but I've been getting very frustrated by her aggression. Though - there was a rabbit in the yard yesterday, the rabbit froze - Molly walked right up to it. It was amazing how the rabbit just stayed still and Molly was sniffing it, so very gentle. When the rabbit ran away - it was so quick - I don't think Molly knew what happened. I know she will one day be the perfect dog - just taking her time. I'm looking forward to her reaction to snow!!

[CATHERINE RITLAW]

Hemopet.org (Dr. Jean Dodds ) does very inexpensive thyroid/CBC/chem panel, as she is a researcher. $95.00 for all. You bleed and ship blood overnight.

[Emily]

Capslock is considered yelling in the cyber world. I understand how the lyme disease attributes to you using capslock but I'm not sure how your animal sanctuary does. There is a program on microsoft called a magnifier, it does what the name suggests and it might help. As for what I do, I litter and pollute, thank you for asking.

[Michael aka RAB]

You use caps all you want to. It is not against the law