fear aggression in the house

Question
We have a 1 1/2 year old lab/pit mix rescue that we got when she was 6
months old. When we got her she had some fear issues but as soon as she
developed a routine with us she started to get more confident. She has never
been great with visitors in the apt. But, usually after the initial barking we
have the guest ask her to sit and give her a treat and she usually accepts
them relatively well. She still watches them suspiciously and is reserved but
overall stops the aggressive behavior. However, we had to board her over the
holidays for 10 nights, since we have gotten her back she has started
jumping, lunging and snapping when people come into the house. usually if
someone is reaching down to pet her while walking by quickly or leaning over
her in greeting. I don't know why she started doing this, but im afraid there is
a progression here and the next step may be biting someone.  She is also less
friendly with strangers on our walks than she used to be. Overall though she
is a sweet, playful, friendly dog with us and other dogs and certain people
she is familiar with...Any suggestions on how to handle this behavior?  

Answer
Visitors to your home should completely ignore your dog. No looking at, talking to, or trying to touch her. PERIOD. People who suddenly reach out, or bend over a fearful dog are at risk of being bitten and it's no one's fault but their own. Additionally, you should keep her on a leash, and under your control at all times when visitors are over.

I would strongly suggest having a professional trainer/behaviorist come into your home and work with you and her on this because you are right; it very well could escalate to her biting someone. Until you can find a trainer, I think the best course of action is to put her away in another room when you have people over, so everyone is safe and unstressed.

Since there is a risk of someone being bitten, I am not going to try and give you advice, since I cannot be there to see exactly what is going on and what is triggering her reactions. You need to find someone locally who can help you.


Good luck