[Tristahoof]

So, I have two dogs--a heeler/mini aussie mix (Soco) and a heeler/border collie mix (Jack.) Two winters ago I left the dogs in the backyard while I went to the grocery store. While I was gone, the neighbors heard what sounded like dog fighting in the back yard so police and animal control were called. Police got there first and thought Soco was biting Jack's neck and wouldn't let go. They tazed her two times before she finally calmed down. Turns out that while they were playing, her mouth got caught on his collar and they both panicked, causing all the ruckus.

Anyway, now both are very skiddish around people. (Other than a handful of family and friends they know very well.) Soco is the most terrified. Despite the predominant heeler in her, she isn't a biter and doesn't act aggressively towards people... she just barks like mad and is terrified if anyone looks like they're going to approach her. I think Jack just follows her lead. He doesn't seem as nervous about people when Soco isn't around. Both used to be the happiest pups that we took everywhere with us and now they have to stay home.

Does anyone have any suggestions? We've tried introducing her to new people, having strangers (to them) offer treats and toys but Soco wants nothing to do with any of it. Thanks for any ideas!!

 

[Tristahoof]

Thank you for your replies!

When we try the strangers tossing treats, Jack is all about it. He's very food driven and doesn't seem to be bothered by people being around but gets nervous when they try to touch him. Not in an agressive way.. He just dodges out of reach. Soco wants nothing to do with the treats or toys at first. She'll take a couple steps forward, bark her "alarm" bark and then take off running. She'll warm up to the idea slightly if the strangers stick around for awhile and every now and then she'll "sit" and "shake" for a treat but the alarm barks happen every time there is a loud noise or if someone tries to touch her.

We've thought about seeing a behavioralist but I think we were hoping the trauma would fade over time and she would go back to her normal self that would love on everybody. Plus their behavior didn't turn aggressive by any means so I think initially we thought that was a positive sign.