Fear aggressive Heeler

by Laura
(DFW, Texas)

We got our dog on the day he was supposed to be put to sleep. He was 1, and had been at shelter a month.

They said he was a great dog, but he'd been there too long, they needed to make room. I worked with a local rescue. My plan was to foster him until he found his forever home.

Of course he quickly won his way into our hearts. He's a dog genius. I have never met a dog who can do the things he can do. Not just sit, stay, shake. I've taught him to jump through hoops, spin...all kinds of things. He never fully trusted other dogs, but he was manageable. His shelter record showed that a dog had bit his paw, but they said he was not dog aggressive.

Sadly we had a big dog get on our property and chase him all around. Then the very next week a visiting 11 year old boy barked and growled at him from behind. he bit that kid, he did not draw blood, but he clearly pinched the skin.

Since then his behavior has really regressed. I barely recognize my dog.

Now my dog does not trust kids or dogs. and is leery around people he doesn't know. he's very outwardly aggressive. Barky, growly, lunging at dogs when we are out and about. he's a bite risk.

I'd be 100% on board working with him through this, but I HAVE KIDS. I can't trust him with my kids. THis makes home life very hard.

I'm working very hard with him, but it seems every few days we have another set back. I'm not sure how long I can do this.

We had a behaviorist out last week. I'm hand feeding him. I'm limiting his exposure to other dogs for now. ... I'm wondering what his long term outlook is?