[gjrupert]

I desperately need guideance on how to handle a stray that I found. He looks to be a "Flat Coated Retriever & est. age is 2 yrs old. He had been dumped in the country near my house and had fended for himself for over a month, when I found him. Neighbors say he had been sleeping in a farmer's barn, but staying in 1 field, waiting for his owner to return. Obviously he had major trust issues, and I approached him slowly over a period of 6 days, bringing him food am & pm until he finally came to me and nuzzled my leg, letting me bring him home. At that time, I saw no sign of aggression other than his wanting to mount my 4 existing dogs. My goal was to heal him and find him a good home, so I had him neutered & all shots. His temperament at the vets was great. I didn't mention that he is very bright and is very good at all basic commands. He loves belly rubs and would play ball 24/7. Here is my problem: He shows extreme agitation and aggression towards anyone that comes to potentially adopt him. He barks, shows his teeth and if not leashed, would attack. Now, I can take him to the pet store, walk him around the other people & animals & he is good. It only seems to be a territorial/posessive thing & I think it is because he now trusts "us" and wants to protect us. My problem in understanding this behaviour is that he doesn't present himself as a dominant dog. He sits and lets me go through the door 1st, obeys commands, is a totally loving dog - but then there is this flip side to him! Obviously I can't place him in a home if I have these fears that he will bite someone! How do I get him over this? Any help would be appreciated.