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We have three dogs now.. Our oldest Australian Shepard Jake is a very sweet boy aged 8. We adopted a 3 year old Aussie (Kit) a few weeks ago from the shelter. Then last week we decided to keep one of our foster puppies. I know crazy, crazy.
Anyway, at the shelter Kit seemed very friendly and sweet. We brought our dog to meet her and she seemed fine. However, since we have gotten her home she has proven to be a very aggressive alpha dog. She attacked Jake numerous times. I thought maybe she would outgrow it when she was comfortable. We worked on different techniques with her to establish the pack order.
The icing on the cake was the day before yesterday.. I left the puppy on hit leash tied to a door near his bed, toys, etc. I had to run upstairs for just a minute and didn't want to crate him because he hates the crate. Anyway, the next thing you know I hear growling, barking and the sounds of attack.. The next thing I hear is the puppy crying in pain. Sure enough she went after the puppy and I left him trapped. At first I thought there was no damage but it turns out she must have hit his eye with her paw. We took him to the vet yesterday because his eye was looking strange and he has an ulcer in his eye (caused by rough play, paws, etc). Since he doesn't play rough with the other dogs (they avoid him) or with sticks it must have happened when she went after him.
I understand that adjustment periods are necessary but I can't take the risk. I foster kittens, have young children, etc. Who knows what she could do.
She loves people and we have found her a good home with someone else. I feel like we failed but I guess things don't always work out. She is such a sweet girl she just can't be with timid dogs or cats. In any event I feel badly.
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