Katie
Posted : 1/19/2007 2:34:20 PM
Hello Zombie, and welcome to the forum. It sounds like you have a few issues going on here. I'm not an expert but do have some experience with rescues and their various issues, so I'll offer a few suggestions. [

]
Certain things will trigger this agression, sometimes Ill take off her jacket and she'll get mad.
I doubt the act of removing the jacket makes her upset (most dogs are happy to get the pesky things off [

]), but I'm wondering if you aren't sending her some "scary" body language without realizing it. Do you lean over her while taking off her coat? I ask because that's what I do with Cuma; its just the easiest position to be in. However, you want to avoid leaning over a fearful dog , as it can be perceived as threatening. If you aren't already doing so, I'd kneel down on the ground and even turn
away from her as you gently remove her coat.
shes really protective over her treats and food
I'm not sure how protective she is, but I first adopted Cuma, he didn't want anyone near his treats or food. I hand-fed him his kibble for a week or so, so that he would understand that the food comes from me and I control it, and the problem was solved (we also took obedience class during those first few months, and that may have helped as well). With serious cases of resource guarding, more work is involved. I did buy this book, though I never had to use it:
Mine! A Guide to Resource Guarding in Dogs by Jean Donaldson.
One other book that helped me a lot when I had a fearful foster dog was
On Talking Terms with Dogs: Calming Signals by Turid Rugaas.
One other thing often recommended here, and then I promise to end this lengthy post, is NILIF. Google it, but basically it is a way to become the leader of your pack in a positive way. By making her work for the things she wants (food, walkies, attention/playtime) she will become more comfortable with her position in the pack, and hopefully less fearful. I didn't explain very well, but there's TONS of info here on that topic.