Tootsie

Question
We adopted tootsie from a rescue group, She was used as a bait dog for
pitbull fights, she is a very loving, fun dog, the normal day to day is great,
there is one problem I dont know where to start with. I think this is due to
being around 5 more dogs at her foster home, where she didn't get the
attention she needed.  She is believed to have Beagle, and Jack Russell mix,
and most likely another breed.  

My problem is that she does not get along with big dogs at all
(understandable) and some small dogs most likely due to the fighting and
defending for her life. We fell in love with her from the start, and she also
with us.  There is just this one problem.  What kind of exercises can we do
with her to get her working towards the ultimate goal of being alright around
other dogs?  She growls alot at the other dogs right now, and snaps trying to
bite, but i know it is going to happen before it does, so i am prepared already
standing over her, (tootsie between my legs, and me holding her more for the
safety of the other dog just incase of a bite, she has never tried to bite me or
my wife.  But i haven't let it get so far to see if she will bite the other dog.)

Please let me know what you think we can do to help this amazing angel of a
dog!!

Joe

Answer
Hi Joe

what an horrific life she has had and well done for taking her on and trying to help her.

As you say it is absolutely no wonder she is frightened of dogs, she is very entitled to be.  You don't say how long you have had her but I am guessing not long.  The very first thing to do is forget about other dogs and just let her settle in to her life with you and your family.  She needs to get to know you all, the routines and rules of the house and start to feel secure and relaxed - she is probably expecting to go somewhere else again any day.

only when she is fully relaxed in her new life with you should you start to slowly introduce her to other dogs.  Doing so now and holding her back (effectively preventing her from defending herself) is absolutely the worst thing you can do - it probably is not too far removed from what she experienced in her early life.

I know it is hard to keep other dogs away from her but try to do this - walk her in quiet places, call to other owners to keep their dogs away (if possible) and most importantly let her have her freedom - she needs to feel she can move away if afraid and is not begin forced to fight by having the flight option removed.  If she may run too far and not come back then keep her on a long lead.  If she is dangerous with other dogs then teach her to wear a basket type muzzle (teach her at home so she gets used to it) so you can relax about too.

when you feel she is ready to meet other dogs do so in a controlled way.  Get a volunteer with a quiet dog who is uninterested in other dogs.  Have both dogs on lead and first work out how close they can be to each other before she reacts.  Take the other dog away before Tootsie gets worried and gradually work on getting them closer together in this quiet, slow way.  

Tootsie may never enjoy the company of dogs - this is fine.  You just want to work on building her confidence so she doesn't feel threatened by them and can exist around them without reacting.  The most important thing is not to rush or force it.  Imagine a human with a phobia of, say, spiders.  You wouldn't hold them down and expect them to get better by putting spiders near them!

Gradually introduce more dogs to her in this controlled way.  Following this advice will not make any improvements very quickly but may at least stop her getting worse.

Good luck Joe and feel free to e-mail again if you need clarification.

Best regards,

Lucy