Fearful aggression
I adopted a dachshund x goldie mix, 5 years old. Have him for a month now. Supposedly the first owner abused him. Second family had him for a year and loved him, but they had to give him up as they had young children and they couldn’t handle his reaction.
While we can mostly give affection and play with contact, my boy gets aggressive when scared. Like when it rains, we cannot approach for anything, he will lash out biting and will draw blood. (level 3)
Another example is towels. We can bathe him, shampoo, but cannot towel dry him. The change is instant. I tested this during normal times. When I took out the towel he is normal. When I drape it on him, he is normal, we do treats and all. But the moment I touch him through the towel he freaks out and attacks.
When in fearful mode, he stops wanting any treats so I’m not sure how to continue to associate positivity with the triggers.
Like when raining he doesn’t want any food compared to normal times he is very food motivated. Or when towel dropped on him, he is so normal he does tricks and all.
My dog will not react to the usual high value treats or even its primary meals when in 'fear' state - note my dog always finishes his food. Separately went down the 'classical conditioning' route - i get the idea, but have no idea how to apply it to my boy, take the towel problem as an example, i have shown the towel -> no reaction. draped the towel over him -> no reaction can continue play and treats as usual. but the moment i touched the draped towel -> instant aggression. I would have expected seeing the towel would trigger the trauma so i can desensitize it for him, but i have left the towel out and we can play and do tricks around it - he does not even think about it.
Muzzling can stop him from biting me but that's not the point, i want to be able to fix the underlying cause. As with rain, i am not able to follow the classical conditioning line of thought nor can i bring comfort or positive reinforcement aside from giving dog space, dog continues to be fearful of everything during thunderstorm - no way to consent test or reward. high value treats that usually bring huge joy are ignored when thrown on floor, in front of nose.
He is otherwise a normal happy boy when its sunny. he's got lots of other issues to work through, separation anxiety, lunging and barking at strangers when on walks, but these are things i can overcome, i have him on a leash and doing correctional training when exposed to those triggers, starting clicker training as well.
Not sure how to get around the rain and towel obstacles when there is no way to engage him, or when the change is so complete and sudden.
Many thanks for sharing your help!