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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]Looking for any help. I have a 5 year old rescue dog whose litter was taken from the mother at 4 weeks (we took home at 8 weeks). I know not ideal, but an emergency rescue situation. Our dog has always had separation anxiety and stress, but in recent years that stress has turned into aggression. She is extremely aggressive toward other dogs (lunges, growls, hard to control), and some people, but also can be incredibly kind toward people as well. I know in her heart she is a sweet dog, she just channels her anxiety through aggressive behavior. Does anyone have a trainer they would recommend? At a loss here and need to help her.[/quote]

You need a vet behavioral specialist who can prescribe meds. I'm not in the area so others can chime in on specific doctors, but a trainer isn't going to it.

Meds + to behavioral training. So, for instance, when you walk your dog, you need to have treats (the ones she likes best). If you see another dog, and your dog tenses, give a treat before she starts lunging and barking, then turn her around and away from the dog. Over time, your dog will be able to handle other dogs at gradually decreasing distances.

Same with people. Never walk your dog where and when she can be surprised (joggers, kids on bikes, etc). Have the vet specialist fit her for a harness and a muzzle. Acclimate her gradually to the muzzle with treats so she knows it's a good thing. If she's a potential danger to people and hard to control, she absolutely needs to be walked and encounter visitors on a muzzle.

Prozac probably for the rest of her life. [/quote]

pp here again- I'm sorry you're going through this btw. Our dog isn't aggressive but she went through a period of such high anxiety during a recent move that we actually considered putting her down. Her behavior was so stressed and reactive that we were kind of prisoners in our house. The vet specialist was very realistic about her personality, stresses, and containment. We're in a good place now, but there are things my dog doesn't manage well, and never will. 
If your dog is dangerous, or doesn't respond to treatment, or you are unable to have a life compatible with having such a dog-- it is a situation that warrants euthanasia...but, if you haven't tried a vet specialist first, start there. Ours worked wonders. Our dog is still a challenge in certain circumstances, but so much better and easier. [/quote]

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