Concerned about aggressive behaviour

[KarenCurtis]

My boyfriend and I recently moved in together about 2 months ago. He has a 2 year old Sheltie named Sasha who I thought was the most adorable dog I've ever met.
Since we live together, I have been taking on some responsibilities of taking the dog out to go to the bathroom, feeding and walking.
Before I moved in my boyfriend has been having difficulties adjusting Sasha to living in an apartment. She was cornered by a bigger dog in the elevator and barks ad lunges at any other person or dog that gets in the elevator with us. One resident in the building was worried enough that she went to the condo board and we now have to put a muzzle on Sasha whenever she is on the building property.

When we walk her she go berserk whenever another dog gets near. She barks and we struggle to control her. Recently she tried to bite another dog when she approached it. Her aggression escalated to attacking a woman in the elevator who also happened to be terrified of dogs. Thankfully she had her muzzle on so she couldn't do anything more than bark, but this behaviour has both of us worried that people may file more complaints against her and we may be forced to move or get rid of her.

I have tried to tell my boyfriend that she needs to get out more (more exercise!!! and socializing). But he doesn't seem to be motivated to do so.

Just wondering if anyone else has encountered similar problems with their dogs and may be able to offer some advice.

I would research dog training styles, you can do it on the web- you are right to put a muzzle on her when she is around other dogs and people. Your boyfriend hopefully will get on the same page as you concerning this dog. When you interview trainers, have them meet your dog first, see how they react around her, and their styles- it is a really serious situation, you can't do it on your own. This is a great forum and we all have our opinions, especially on trainers and their styles, as you will read !!! Form your own opinion and go with your gut feeling. Good luck and let us know.
Karen

 

[pgwiz1]

First off, I am by NO means an expert...infact, we rescued our sheltie this past January, and she's my first pet ever. That said, I have been training with her since (Pebbles is right now in Advanced Obedience...tho I doubt if she'd pass it, since it's training without treats, and Pebbles is quite stubborn!)

Anyway, a few weeks ago Pebbles got attacked by a neighborhood dog and it REALLY freaked her out. Since then, she has been extra barky to dogs, as soon as she sees them. After talking to my trainer, she suggested sitting somewhere, some distance away from other dogs (like your front porch or a park) and play the "look at that" game and give treats everytime they look back to you and not bark. Over time, decrease the space between you and the other dog.

We are working thru it slowly, but it will def. take a long time...