[amkishaba]

I was so glad to be told about this forum and learn that I'm not the only one with problems with a rescue dog. Sweets (I changed his name from Grumpy) was found abused and neglected in another state and moved to the state from which I adopted him. We think he's a terrier mix of some kind; I was told Maltese/Poodle but he looks more like a West Highland.

Abuse is evident and he had to be treated gingerly at first; rescue org. rep. advised keeping lead on him and ignoring him at first. We seemed to have bonded quite quickly (I got him on April 6, 2008) but he's quick to growl then bite. My feeling is he has post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and if accidently woken, his first instinct has been to just bite. I almost returned him after one incident where I had to have a puncture wound checked out by doctor but changed mind when told they might have to pull all his teeth.

I have a friend who comes once a week to train him to walk on lead and learn that he is part of the pack and not Alpha; my friend used to train dogs in the Army and has a rescued MinPin who took 2 years to socialize.

Sweets has had good training, I believe, as he's never been a problem to leash and walk (which he loves). However, he goes berserk especially around bigger dogs and certain human body types as well as bike riders and noisy trucks. Walking on heel helps some; but there are days when all he's "learned" seems to go out the window!

He follows me around all over the house; must always be where I am. He's gotten very cuddly and lovable but ... still growls and though it is much less, he will occasionally start to bite.

He hates the brush. My trainer friend has started gently brushing him before Sweets is taken out (I am following example) but Sweets will still growl/grumble (esp with me) and occasionally try to bite the brush. He's small enough so I can grab him in a chokehold to brush him and or wipe him down with Nature's Miracle Pet Wipes (I'm afraid to try and bathe him tho once sprayed his behind--where he has a scar--to clean him up after a soft movement. He seemed to enjoy the cool water.

I know I must be patient but would appreciate any hints and training recommendations. He really is a love and his nickname is "Devil Dog." I keep him on a lead always when we're outdoors and warn people (he's very cute) who come near. He's learned to accept pets from certain people when they're inside the house but he's very territorial.

Sorry to be so long winded and thanks in advance for any additional help.