Biting dog

[angkss26]

My dog used to be a friendly dog until she was in my car one day and my cousin's pounded on the window and scared her. she now growls at random people and she doesn't like them to come close to her. do you have any suggestions. she is a mut, could it be something in her blood.

[Hells Fairy]

Your poor dog must've been terrified when she was frightened in your car. Some dogs find it difficult to get over this sort of experience. I really don't think it's because she is a mutt. My own dog had a few nasty experiences before I had her, and she mistrusts everyone. All I can suggest is that you take things very easy with her, and try and get her used to people again. You need to introduce her to people very gradually - praise her all the time that she is behaving quietly; ignore her if she acts up. You may find that you cannot get very close to other people with her at all at first, but gradually, with praise and titbits when she is behaving, she MAY get her confidence back. If you can find some friends to help you with the problem that would be good. Get them to offer your dog titbits/treats - they can just throw them to her at first, and gradually, as she gets more used to people she might take treats directly from them. Basically you need to get your dog to realise that good things happen when she lets people approach her. This will probably take a long time, but please don't give up on her.

Hope this helps a bit.

[softballcute]

When she growls at random people is that kids or adults. If she growls at kids she may not like kids ever since that day in the car. Try to slowly ease her back to being nice. Try to even let your cousin give her a treat, but dont try to move too fast or she'll feel like your forcing her to do this. Just love your dog the same way you loved her before.