New Rescue Dog snapped at my husband this morning.

Question
Hi there,

We got a 1.5 year old lab-shepard-other mix rescue dog several days ago. She's been a gem:  a real gentle giant. She's been snuggling with us, playing fabulously with our other rescue who we got as a puppy 1.5 years ago etc.
We didn't think this dog could have an ounce of aggression in her.
This morning my husband went into the guest room to get some shoes out. When he walked back out of that room our new dog panicked. She started barking and growling at him. He was heading back into our bedroom and she jumped into bed with me barking and growling at him...I think more out of fear than aggression.  We both were trying to calm her. We think she may have thought he was a stranger, but then after a few minutes of barking you'd think she'd recognize him. Our other dog even jumped in bed with us- I think to calm her. Eventually my husband got treats and gave them to both dogs and it calmed the new one down...who then went back into normal mode. Anyhow, I'm not sure what this all means... if it's a one time thing or something that might happen more reguarly? If she thought he was a stranger? If it's related to past abuse or neglect? Do we need to take her to a vet to discuss the behavior? Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,
Kristen

Answer
It sounds like she may not have recognized that it was your husband,and that she did think it was a stranger

However I think it would be a good idea to take her to obedience classes with both you and your husband,as that also helps to strengthen the bond-and also a trainer can work with through any problems you are having

It doesn't sound like a health problem to me,so I think rather then a vet,she needs to see a trainer before things get worse-as you don't want her to become a fear bitter