Aggressive Female Rescue Dog, Mix

by Evelyn
(USA)

We have two older Bernese Mountain dogs who are calm as can be -- basically lumps on the floor next to you.

About 2 years ago we got a wild hair and purchased a rescue puppy. She had already been spayed. Early on she showed signs of dominance, which we quickly got under control. As her bad behavior progressed (barking incessantly, aggressiveness toward strangers inside and outside and oftentimes to our family members), we tried 9 weeks of in-home dog training and continued to re-inforce it. Nothing has worked. We have an Invisible Fence and she stays inside it, but any outside event will trigger maniacal barking, bared teeth, and physical "attack mode" with haunches down, ready to jump. She barks constantly outside, and inside will simply stand in front of us and bark for no reason we can see.

She has bitten people -- the FedEx delivery person, a contractor who came to our house, and one of our family members. Our neighbors have asked us what we intend to do about this "vicious" dog. We've had neighbors call and ask us to bring the dog in so they can sleep (because of the barking). Most people and friends will no longer come to our house unless we can guarantee that the dog is crated.

Is there anything that can be done with our dog, short of giving her back to the rescue foundation? Thank you.