I need help on a Lancey situation!

[FairyDogMother]

Sadly, I had to go get Lancey. The family, a couple plus their 4 year old dog, became afraid of her. Their dog was extremely sweet and submissive. Apparently Lancey took advantage of this. She took toys & treats away from her and was growling and snapping at her. She never, ever displayed that behavior here! In fact, if she had a tug o war toy and someone came up for it to play, she let go. If someone got to the ball first, she let it go. So there was a little bullying going on...
But, they had electric fencing around a huge pasture. When I left she went through it! And was zapped twice more that I know of. At some point she began to growl and bark at the man and would not let him enter his own porch!
I saw her bark and stand ground with him when I arrived. As soon as I got a leash on her, she was happy and trying to lick the guys hand . They were both heartbroken that it didn't work and I feel just terrible!!!
So, I see 2 issues.
1) her bullying smaller and or submissive dogs
2) perhaps the electric fence zaps and a new unfamiliar surrounding freaked her out???
What do you all think about this and the 2nd in particular?
Electric fencing is one thing I'm not familiar with in use.
She's back with me, sadly. They were a fantastic couple, with a wonderful dog and a huge gorgeous home and property! They do want us to keep an eye out for another compatible companion. That's why I have to know if we need to do something different if the fence caused some of this!
Thank you all.
Sad Foster in WA

[RoughCollies]

Wow, that is a tough situation. If she doens't display it at your house, maybe she needs a similar lifestyle in the home she ends up with. If your dogs aren't submissive and she gets along with them, specify she needs non-submissive dogs. Make sure she goes to a home with a real fence. Is there any way she might have issues with men? You said it was the guy who she had a problem with... until YOU (who she trusts) displayed he was okay.

[FairyDogMother]

Really don't think it's a man problem because I went by the rescue owners home and she was fine with her husband approaching the car and talking to her. My son stopped by as well.. nothing weird. I'm wondering if she saw him after her shocks as he was out doing yard work and maybe associated the shock with him? Just a thought.
I've definately decided no submissive dogs and no e-fence next time!

I'm also concerned if we need to do something different if we find a great match in another dog. For goodness sake they want an adult! 2-4 yr old female. Non destructive and already potty trained. That's pretty much it! There are a million out there. We turn down dozens every week because we're full!

[fairlight]

Do you have anyone in your foster group that has an older dog Teresa?

[FairyDogMother]

Originally Posted by fairlight

Do you have anyone in your foster group that has an older dog Teresa?

I've got Phoebe here. She isn't even trying to pull anything on anyone at my house and let me tell you, my house is full!!! More than I want or it should be. We also got Merles brother back as a return. What a day yesterday! So, he's here too.
No problems with any of the dogs for Lancey here. I'm at a loss as to what happened over there. She missed out on a great life I'm sure but I guess it wasn't meant to be...

[sandvand]

Oh I'm sorry Teresa, it sucks when that happens. When we had Cylde he was so good with us, no growling or dominating behavior with us or the dogs. When he went to his home, she had a very submissive dog and a similar thing happened, he started growling at the other dog with food and toys, and even growled at my friend. I told her about NILF and it is gettting better, her dog is even standing her ground more as well. It must be a pack thing, they take as much control as they are allowed. I was shocked to hear this about Clyde as I'm sure you are about Lancey, but it happens. Like you said it wasn't meant to be......Hopefully something else turns up.

[golden&hovawart]

Dogs will pick up on scared people and submissive dogs and will take advantage of them.That's how animals are!.It's not that she is bad but if noone is holding their ground than she will take advantage of them.She needs to find a home where there is a set hierarchy.She might just be more dominant than you thought she was.Was the other dog,a female?.
As you, know each dog react accordingly to the house,he's in.
A well adapted dog at yr place ,can become dominant or submissive in another one.
As for an electric fence,some dogs just don't care about it and just go through it.Maybe her next home should be with a real fence.

[fairlight]

Merle leaves and all heck breaks loose! Go back and get Merle and give one of your other fosters to the people who have Merle.

[FairyDogMother]

Originally Posted by fairlight

Merle leaves and all heck breaks loose! Go back and get Merle and give one of your other fosters to the people who have Merle.

No kidding! Actually, he's not gone yet. He's going over on Saturday. I dread Saturday. Maybe they really want his brother and just don't know it?

I will definately do assessing in more depth of a newcomer after this experience! There's always a lesson to be learned, isn't there!?