Dog training in Wheatridge

[bellavite1]

Guys, I need urgent help here:
Two days ago we adopted a 3 years old Dutch Shepard mix from a rescue.

Very smart and incredibly loving dog, she took to us instantly, trusting us from the get go, following commands, cuddling and basically melting on us at any chance given.

Will not attack other dogs on the street when we have her on a leash, will watch them from across the street but makes no move.

We took her to the pet store for a harness and she let the people fit it on her with no problem.

As long as we are outside she is fine but she is very territorial and barked a serious warning to a neighbor approaching our yard fence to talk to my wife (although she made no aggressive moves, she stayed by my wife, protecting her).

Today my stepdaughter came to meet the dog and all hell broke loose.

She showed up with treats and toys and, although the dog was a little tense, she ate the treats (did not want to play though).

Then, as they were getting ready to walk the dog, stepdaughter went into the restroom.

The moment she stepped out the dog attacked her, going for her face.

Maybe, with the sun behind the window the dog did not recognize her.

Maybe she got confused and thought the bathroom door was an exterior door and somebody was breaking in.

Luckily my wife could sense the dog tension and had her on the leash and there was no injury.

She pretty much threw the dog in her crate and the dog went in immediately, without turning on my wife or anything.

The dog was upset for the rest of the day and did not want to go outdoors, constantly scanning the house.

Again, no aggression towards my wife at all.

So now my wife is (understandably) freaked out.

She loves the dog but she is worried about liabilities and she is upset that her family may not be able to visit.

Now, I don't necessarily mind the idea of relatives staying away...

And I cannot blame the dog for being antisocial (God knows I am).

We could return her to the shelter but they told me that the dog has a history (they did not quite explain that when we adopted her) and that they will have to put her down.

In her mind the dog was protecting us and her territory!

I assume the dog can be trained by the right person to be less territorial.

I need to find someone in the area that has experience with this kind of behavior.

Can somebody please help???
We're supposed to return her tomorrow but I really want to give her a chance...

And before someone suggests it, no, I will not fight my wife of 25 years over this.

[colorider]

My puppy just graduated from K9 Revolution. Amazing!!!!!!!! I'd call them right away and see if they can help. EVERYONE that works there is amazing, like minded, and have become like family to me and my family!! Tell them Andy Z referred you. Wishing you the best of luck with the pup. Shelter dogs with "history" have almost always had a rough prior life and were not treated well. Professional training is a must.

Not cheap, but they are incredible at what they do!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
https://www.k9revolution.net/