Fear Aggressive Malamute Mix - Stormy relationship

by Leanna
(Fleming Island FL)

Over a year ago we got 2 dogs from a nearby shelter run by a single individual. We got a chow mix (to replace the beloved pet we had put to sleep for cancer) and a puppy. 2 weeks ago we finally put the chow mix to sleep. After training and lots of love we were unable to overcome his dog and people aggression. We were heartbroken but knew that the timid malamute mix puppy (now a young dog) might still have a chance to overcome her own difficulties. (The dogs seemed to feed off each other and walks were a nightmare, even individually.)

Stormy has anxiety about other bigger dogs but she usually adapts. That is, at a dog park she'll usually just get to know other dogs a little slower and sometimes over-reacts to sudden playfulness. Her real problem is with people. As a puppy she would try to bite at anyone who tried to pet her.

At 3 months she got out and chased a neighbor boy to the end of the lawn. He never knew she was chasing, he was just running to the next house down searching for friends. We tried to take her on a group walk with all the kids on our block, including our daughter (11). Stormy lunged at the little boy she had once chased out of the yard. She stared at him and growled at him throughout the entire 20-minute walk. She paid little attention to the other kids.

Now that she is alone we've really focused on exposing her to walks with other people (strangers) walking, jogging, and skating by. She's improving but we still have a ways to go with her. Recently she's begun approaching people at the dog park. But I'm not clear on her intentions. Sometimes she starts barking if someone turns toward her. It's beginning to worry me. At least before she would simply run away. Now she seems to want to engage but she's still uncertain and if she's addressed (turned toward or looked at) she becomes aggressive through barking. I worry she may get more bold!

At home she is a playful, happy dog. She's very smart and learns commands quickly. I am taking her to an evaluation tomorrow to see how she does with a stranger. I need help. I don't mind if Stormy (unlike me) keeps a slight distance to people but I do not want her to feel it is acceptable to become aggressive.

We don't have guests unless she is kenneled. We try to have child or two inside for brief periods with Stormy muzzled. But we feel like there may be more we can be doing to help her. She'll be 2 in November.