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Hi @Lis !
Reading this post, there is a lot going on, in my opinion. Sounds like you are chipping away at some of the challenges!
My initial question is, have they ever owned this breed before or a any dog?
Here are my thoughts (and opinions, of course)
I am looking at this scenario from genetics and environmental factors.
For the nipping when someone is reaching for her, my first thought is that her neck/head area is a trigger due to a shock collar being used. I would ask them to stop using the shock collar and explain why (being sensitive that this likely is the cause, but not to “blame” them). I would start using DS/CC for body handling after ending use. Discuss benefits of a real fence- emphasizing it provides a safer environment for all, especially keeping loose dogs out of the yard.
For the jumping on the boy, my question is, Is he adding to the dogs arousal? If so, have that specific activity stop, to stop the behavior from being practiced and, as you mention, find another way for them to engage.
Looking at genetics, here are some thoughts I have and would implement.
1. lots of mental stimulation such as food puzzles, food scatters in the house and in the yard, (no more eating out a bowl with resource guarding). I like using food in a pvc tube as they get both mental and physical exercise. There is an “enrichment” section in “Dig-In” that has great ideas and resources. Enrichment is super important in my opinion.
2. Most terriers love to dig, having a designated digging area for her or, a kiddie pool filled with dirt as her designated spot. Use other species/breed specific behaviors as an outlet for her to engage in. Use this to your advantage when training, too- if she loves to dig.
<font face=”inherit”>3. Lots of toys and chews for her to engage with and change them frequently. Also, use them to your </font>advantage<font face=”inherit”> when training if she is toy driven. </font>
4. I even may use a day care for 1-4 hours a day, 1-2 times a week- housed alone since she is reactive to other dogs. Sometimes just being in a new environment with the sights, smells and sounds provides enrichment and can tire the dog out in a good way.
Looking at environmental, my thoughts are;
1. I would continue with impulse control training, working on “leave it” and “drop” first, to help you with the RG. (Manage the environment so RG is not being practiced)
2. I would invest in a flirt pole for the kids and parents to engage with her mentally and physically several times a day. I would stop the tug game until she can learn to “drop” it and bring her arousal level down.
3. Make sure her needs are met to have calm interactions. Make sure she is getting plenty of sleep, too. Have a designated sleeping or safe place for her to go and she is left alone when there. (In the beginning, I may occasionally toss treats and move on as she is calm there to reinforce this behavior) The kids and dog interactions should be short, calm and supervised. Make sure she can cope by herself, i.e can chew on a kong or Nylabone instead of “needing” human interaction all the time. I explain to clients that it is ok to “ignore” their dogs solicitations for attention sometimes, that they learn to cope from being “disappointed”. (that didn’t work, guess I will go chew my bone or toss the ball around myself) When they do, I will reinforce them for playing on their own, too!
4. I would use DS and CC to introduce novel people and dogs while keeping dog under threshold
I think that is all I would start with at this time, as it is a lot.
Is the family willing to invest the time to help the dog? As you know, this is a huge component.
Although difficult, sometimes rehoming is the better option.
I am curious as to what others’ plans and ideas are!
Keep us updated.
Thanks for sharing this case.