REALLY could use some advice!

[cassiek]

Sigh. I am having a tough time with Brynn and really could use some advice, tips, suggestions, anything!

Since I adopted her about a year ago, she has had an "issue" (I suppose you can call it, for lack of a better word), where very randomly she will attack another dog. Apparently this is why she was given up, as she was continually getting into fights in the previous owner's home with one of their other dogs and the two could not live together anymore.

Slowly, I have learned some of her triggers. They include rawhides, bones, or other chews. I have helped this by not leaving chews laying around in the house and only giving them to the dogs when they are in their crates. She does not become territorial over toys. She will however become territorial over another dog's rawhides. For example, she has attacked Furby and Sassy before if they walk by Diesel's kennel and one of his rawhides is in it. I try to put all rawhides up and out of the way when they are out of their kennels.

She also will attack another dog, if the dog displays signs of aggression (i.e. baring teeth, growling etc). I keep her leashed around other dogs that I don't know so I am in control of her at all times. We have stopped going to off-leash parks as of recently, because I don't know what other dogs are like and if they growl or bare their teeth at her, she will jump them.

There is no trend to the dog she attacks. I have known dogs before who can't be around a certian breed or whatever. She has attacked dogs of all sizes, both sexes, fixed or not fixed, and all breeds.

Understanding that behaviour can be linked to health issues, I have had her to the vet several times over the course of the last year, and she has come back with a perfect bill of health. Unless there is a specific disorder or neurological issue or imbalance or something specific I need to look for? I just don't know


I am really frustrated. I am trying to take all precautions possible, as I am very worried that things could become very, very serious (even fatal) if she attacks another dog. It could end up with her being PTS and that's the last thing I want.

I have talked with a few trainers, and understand how to break apart a fight properly so as not to agitate it even further. About a month ago though, she attacked the farm dog where I live. Richard and I tried to throw water, a chair, etc. and finally had to pry Brynn's jaws from the other dog's head (yes, I know this is not a smart move, but I had no other choice, the other dog was screaming). I was shocked by how strongly Brynn's jaws were latched on to this other dog.

This evening, she attacked my oldest for no reason at all. Brynn and Diesel were playing one moment, and all of a sudden she flew out of the room and jumped Sassy. Fortunately, she did not use her teeth, and no one was hurt.

She loves children and has such a wonderful disposition 99% of the time. But I really don't know how to best address this. Obviously I have 3 other dogs, so there is no opportunity for her to be a single dog (which I now realize would probably be the most ideal situation in a perfect world).

Any ideas, anyone? I just don't know what the best way is to handle it... I know a few of her triggers and try to avoid those, but sometimes, like tonight, there is no reason at all. Ideally, I want to try to avoid the incidents from happening in the first place, but sometimes I can't, there is just no sign! I just could not deal with her tonight, so I put her in her kennel after it happened. I know I should not associate her kennel with something negative, but I just didn't know what to do. Do I punish her after I pull her off the other dog? I just don't see that remediating the situation.

I should also add, I do practice NILF in my home. All the dogs, including Brynn, sit before they receive breakfast or supper, before a leash goes on to go outside, etc. I make sure that I go out/in the doors first, they don't sleep on my bed with me, etc.