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We adopted a lab mix from the shelter as a companion for our current lab mix(a male). When we adopted Sadie, the shelter informed us that she loved all other dogs. We have had her for almost a year and she seems to be aggressive to dogs other than ours. I know that she plays very rough and sounds mean with our other dog, Chase but I do not think she is playing when she comes near our neighbors dog and starts growling. I am not sure what happened between living at the shelter and coming to live with us. Our other dog, Chase loves every animal he comes in contact with. While she just seems to be overly protective. My sister is adopting a dog in the near future and it frightens me that Sadie might attack the new dog when we stay over her house. What is the best way to introduce the new dog to Sadie?Are there programs that could help my dog socialize better? Why would she change her behavior so much when living with us compared to the shelter? Thank you for any suggestions.

you are right to be concerned. as for the change, sev.reasons come to mind, but the main thing is that you get professional help. your vet might be a good source of info. there are lots of subtle ways we miscommunicate to dogs & especially when agression is involved, so not only do you need to know what to do, but what not to do.Timing is also critical before/during/after the episodes occur, so its not likely that you will be able to handle this without professional help. There are some professionals that still use 'old-school' methods that involve forceful behaiors by the handler. Up-to-date methods use holisitc approaches & positive reinforcement, so please find the later. There has been one really good example of this same 'type' situation by one of the posters & we all have learned alot from her sharing her experience. You can search & read all about Leah & Kaiser, but am sure she will log in. Keep us updated & wish you the best.

>>We adopted a lab mix from the shelter as a companion for our current lab mix(a male). When we adopted Sadie, the shelter informed us that she loved all other dogs. We have had her for almost a year and she seems to be aggressive to dogs other than ours. I know that she plays very rough and sounds mean with our other dog, Chase but I do not think she is playing when she comes near our neighbors dog and starts growling. I am not sure what happened between living at the shelter and coming to live with us. Our other dog, Chase loves every animal he comes in contact with. While she just seems to be overly protective. My sister is adopting a dog in the near future and it frightens me that Sadie might attack the new dog when we stay over her house. What is the best way to introduce the new dog to Sadie?Are there programs that could help my dog socialize better? Why would she change her behavior so much when living with us compared to the shelter? Thank you for any suggestions.
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If your dog was a year or younger when you got her, this change may be mostly her adult temperament showing up. It's also possible she's had some experiences with other dogs that have frightened her. It can be a good idea to avoid mixing the dogs when you visit in the home of a relative, even if they don't fight. Every stressful experience can put them closer to problems such as this. If you want to try to work through it, a behavior specialist in person may be able to help.
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Kathy Diamond Davis, author, "Therapy Dogs: Training Your Dog to Reach Others," 2nd edition, and the free Canine Behavior Series at www.veterinaryforum.com

This past weekend we went down to my sister's house. She was dog sitting for my brother. His dog is Kaldon a 9 year old Husky. We seperated the dogs by a baby gate putting Sadie (3 years old) and Chase in the kitchen (with Adults in both rooms to supervise)The dogs could still put their heads over the gate and sniff each other. Sadie gave low growls but still wanted to stand by the gate and smell Kaldon. She eventually jumped over the gate and seemed ok with Kaldon being in the room. All three dogs were then allowed to meet in the living room. They all eventually layed down and relaxed. The next morning Sadie growled a bit when we first woke up. It seemed like she forgot that Kaldon was there and had to get use to the idea. Then later she began to initiate play time with Kaldon and seemed to be having fun. The dogs were taken out to play and for a walk in the morning. All three dogs spent the afternoon together in the house alone with no problems. But when I got home and Kaldon was standing next to me (I may have been petting him. I can't remember cause Sadie scared my wits out of me.)Sadie flipped out and the dogs were fighting and I had to pull Sadie away. Neither dog was hurt but it certainly wasn't a good incident. After they appeared cautious of each other but layed down and relaxed in the same room. It was not a planned meeting but it was better than most of Sadies reactions to other dogs. I am planning on asking our vet for recomendations of trainers in the area.