Evie's Behavior Issues

So, Evie has some behavior issues. We know she has an issue with Men. Basically, since she was neglected & abused her first year of life, she clearly wasn't socialized. She wasn't shown different people, races, people in uniform, etc. Sometimes, and we have to watch for the trigger, she will lunge and bark and someone. It could be on the street or in the park. It really sucks b/c it stresses me out.

I looked up the behavior and she might have 'fear aggressiveness'. This means that she is afraid of people/things she doesnt know, so she gets aggressive. It could be dangerous. Her old trainer suggests we get a behavior specialist. I am going to call the SPCA today to talk to them @ her behavior & see what they recommend.

My friend in the park who has a dog said that she had a Pit who wasn't aggressive but became aggressive over the years. The more the dog got attached to the owners, she felt she had to protect them. Evie didn't have the chance to meet all different types of people in CT or dogs. She didn't walk past all of these people all of the time. Now, she is exposed to everything & I dont think she knows how to handle it.

However, today I walked her on the 'gentle leader' and she was a dream. She can't jump b/c it pulls her head. She doesn't bark b/c I really think she thinks she cannot open her mouth with it on (which she fully can). So, I dont know. Is it a behavior issue that needs the Dog Whisperer or will the Gentle Leader help us? We'll see.....


Gentle Leader