[mic2740]

We have a 1.5 year old female Shiba Inu. Ever since we got her, she's always been afraid of anything new, which is why her recent escalated aggression has us so concerned, and we are unsure what to do about it. She isn't aggressive all the time, something just seems to set her off once in awhile. We currently also have a male Shiba Inu, as well as my son's Boxer/Pitbull female. At first, the only signs of outright agression towards any other dog was when she was eating. If a dog walked behind her while eating, she would growl and bark. Lately, it has gotten to a point where she may be running around playing or wrestling with the other dogs and all of a sudden she is growling and barking, and the next thing we know, there is a full out dog fight going on. Twice in the last month, while trying to separate her from the other dog while they were fighting, once my husband got bit, once my oldest son got bit. While she wasn't trying to bite THEM, we need to find a way to curb the agression. I have looked at tips online for the issue, but since we never seem to be able to pinpoint when it will start, we aren't sure which direction to go. Anyone have any ideas? She is very sweet otherwise, and would be a great dog if we can get this stopped. We will try just about anything.

[Yogi]

If she has not been spayed, I would recommend doing so asap. Females are more often the alphas in pack society and at her age and based on the progression you describe she may have recently come out of season. More often than not, intact females can become extremely territorial and dominant. Far more often than most realize. That would be the first step if you are not able to assert yourself in the role of the dominant one. Good luck.