[RescueGirl]

We recently adopted a beautiful retriever-mix rescue dog (aprox 1 yr old), and she just started showing signs of aggression toward people. Started with growling while on walks, (not always everyone, more so men) and this morning she lunged at a male neighbor and bit at his shorts (thankfully not getting to skin, but thinking that was just lucky that his shorts were in the way).

We've only had her 3 1/2 weeks and is the sweetest, and perfect dog with us. Housetrained, knows some commands, walks ok so far on the leash (but learning the heel and come really well), and is very sweet and affectionate.

I emailed a local trainer and am hoping to get her private training to start, then hopefully classroom (when they think she is ready), and then maybe doggy day care once a week to continue the positive reinforcement of being around other dogs and people.

We want her to be a good, social dog who can have a wonderful life with us, especially enriched with family and friends being around alot of the time.

Until we try obedience training, any advice you can give me is appreciated. Wondering if others have had this experience.

Thanks!

[labradorann]

Hi, hopefully she hasn't been mistreated by a man (or a woman) before she was left at the shelter. Maybe this page I found on about.com will help...

dogs.about.com/od/dogtraining/a/Adult-Dogs-And-Socialization.htm

[lyn]

i've noticed that happening sometimes too... i had an american bull dog that was rescued from a group that was fighting them and he would growl at black people but it got better after a year what i did was go out walking with my neighbor once a day and on occasion have him come over and play with him... it did work but it took time

[mih]

I'm sorry for your dog...maybe she'll be ok after a while

[CorkyMax]

Here is the 'clickable' link that labradorann put in her post above:Adult Dogs and Socialization - Socializing an Adult Dog

[Lara's mom]

In the interim, you might want to consider a muzzle. It would be terrible if your new addition bit someone and ended up being seized by animal control.