[SnowWhite]

I am dog sitting for a friend this week, and today was my first day on the job. I have watched this dog before, and i knew that she had aggressive tendencies and was extremely protective. Last time we got on fine, but she did bark at me and bare her teeth at first. This time, when i walked in the door, she did all of the same things. I had come with a pocket full of treats as usual, and she refused to take them. I left her alone for a time and put my things away, and eventually she followed me in the kitchen. The previous time, when she followed me into the kitchen she was ready to be my friend- so i stuck out my hand for me to sniff and she bit it. Being shocked more than anything i yelled "NO TEETH" very, very loudly. Since then she has been on her bed in the living room. She doesn't come near me or make any aggressive moves anymore, but she bares her teeth when i try to touch her. This means i can't feed her or take her outside or put her to bed. I'm in a real conundrum. I am fairly experienced with dogs, and have watch aggressive and protective before, and have never had such a problem- but from this i can't see any acceptable solution. Does anyone have any tips? I'm at a loss and need help.

[lange]

Yikes...I have no experience w/having to deal with other people's aggressive dogs. But seeing as you're in this problem this INSTANT I can only wing it in offering you what I would do if I were in your position...

I would concentrate on not showing the dogs anything it could see as threatening. I would not approach the dog or the room she's in head on, facing her, instead I would walk in a bit to the side; where your feet & your face are never pointing towards her. Also, no direct eye contact ever.

If you sit down on the floor with your shoulder pointing towards her (in reference to her body), your face facing away from her, then slowly slide your hand w/a hot dog or something very tempting & smelly... palm up to your side resting your hand w/treat on the floor; she might be inclined to come sniff.

If she approaches you don't reach for her. Let her go at her own pace & take your time. When she finally takes take the treat, repeat having her take more treats. If things progress w/her being very relaxed you could then slowly reach palm up to rub her belly. Then repeat treat..then belly rub slowly..ect.

Later you could grab the leash and again sit like you did earlier, this time after rubbing her belly, rub a little higher towards her neck gradually building to scratching her by her collar but NOT going to close to her mouth or over. Finally you can slowly leash her by attaching it UNDER her chin. You don't want to have your hands in front or over her head.

That's all I have...hopefully someone more knowledgeable will come around w/more advice. Good luck! Let me know how things go.