Help - Dixie, our rescue, bit our neighbor

[matkeson]

Just when things seemed to be working out with Dixie, she's thrown me a curve ball. She nipped one of my sons friends when she came in the door a week ago and since then we've been working hard on having her sit at the door, having people offer treats when they arrive and she sits. But today, one of the kids let her out accidently while I was unloading groceries from the car. Our neighbor came out to her mailbox and Dixie rushed her and barked agressively and bit her in the back of the leg. The neighbor was really kind about it, but I'm a wreck. I don't know what to do. We rescued her from a backyard breeder 3 months ago - she's 18 months old. She has a lot of separation anxiety from me even though (or maybe because) I'm a stay at home mom and I'm with her most of the time. She will often nip me as I try to leave. I make her sit, but she gets so worked up and will often nip the minute I pick up my keys or purse. She barks at everyone who comes in the door - sometimes even the kids. Do I need professional help?

 

[hanley]

Yes, you need to start training her asap. Do you know her background & how she was raised & treated?

 

[Jan]

I would definitely get some help. Find a behaviorist who uses only positive reinforcement. In the meantime I would start practicing NILIF. Nothing in Life is Free. Have her work for everything. She must sit or down before you feed her, before you let her out and even before you pat her. Don't pat her excessively. Don't allow her up on the furniture unless she in invited. Be the leader of the pack.

Good luck!