Feral lab

Question
Hi,

I adopted a feral stray who is now about 3 was about 4 mo when we got her. She has come a very long way from being afraid of everyone and is a great little lab. With Tom and myself she is an angel.

But she is very Alpha with other dogs and possesive of me. For example she becomes very upset and defensive if a stranger comes close to me without first offering her a treat or paying her attention.

Any ideas?

Answer
Hi Julie,
A feral stray, huh?  You have your hands full, I'm sure.  

This dog will need to be treated with "kid gloves".  Sounds like you are off to a good start with her.  First, though, have you taken her to any kind of obedience classes?  I would suggest doing so, but not just yet.  And, how old do you think she is?

It sounds like what is going on here is that your girl is still trying to find her place in your family.  Sounds like she is comfortable enough with you and your husband, which is good.  Now you need to take the place of her mother and teach her some manners.  She needs to learn that you and your husband are Alpha.  For a start, I would use the NILIF method, or "Nothing In Life Is Free".  She must now "earn her keep" in your house.  

Before she goes out the door, make her sit and "wait".  Before she comes in the door, make her sit and "wait".  Same for eating and treats.  When meeting new people, if at your home, I would crate her until the person(s) has/have been there for a while.  This lets her get used to "strangers" being in "her" house.  When you bring her out, take her to the stranger on leash and make her sit to be introduced.  It wouldn't hurt, either, if you shook hands with the stranger.  Have the stranger hold his/her hand out and muzzle level, palm down, and let her sniff.  Tell her "good" if she is calm and accepting.  If she is not, tell her "anh, anh" in a growly voice, reinforce the sit, and try again.  At no time should she be allowed to become aggressive.  If she does, give her a correction, say "sorry" and put her back in her crate.  (This is where I really think some obedience classes can help!)  By being on leash, YOU are in control incase she should become too aggressive.  By being on leash, YOU are taking HER to the stranger, thereby letting her know that YOU approve of this person.  Do not force her, though, or you can make matters worse.  

Also, there is nothing wrong at this point in letting the stranger give her a treat.  Just make sure that your girl takes it politely and isn't lunging for it.  Also, the stranger should be speaking in a normal voice, please not a high-pitched, excited voice.  Calm, cool, collected.  And, the stranger should NOT stare at your dog.  Some eye contact is fine, but a smile on the face, and/or yawning can be helpful.  (Yawning is a calming signal to dogs)  The stranger should also not bend over her, but if she is fairly comfortable, the stranger can squat to pet her.  Again, no direct eye contact or staring, please.  

Once you get to where she is comfortable meeting strangers on leash, you can try without.  Make her sit, let her sniff, take a treat, etc.  

If you know of somebody who is good with dogs (again, this is where obedience classes can be helpful!), I would let that person take her from you (on leash) and just walk a bit.  Nothing with a lot of pressure, but a short walk away from you.  You should turn your back, and it is helpful if you are talking with somebody.  When she comes back, just take the leash and don't say anything to her, or pet her.  In other words, don't make a fuss.  Once she is comfortable with this, make the walks with a stranger longer and further.  

These are all baby steps, but with this dog's beginning, I really think they are a must.  

I am VERY interested in a follow up with this, if you are so inclined.  A private e-mail (see my website at my bio for my e-mail) would be fine if you don't care to post here.  I wish you the best of luck with this girl.  You sound like you have a lot of patience and love for her, which is what she needs.