I agree with Kelsey, after our long convo last night this is beyond training, behavioral. Kelsey if your current vet is not up to date, please seek out university vet or high end vet, typical country vets will not be equipped and will also assume behavioral problems. From what I understand typical brain associated aggression vs behavioral aggression starts to appear at the 2-3 year old mark. Also because Sheba is a rescue, Kelsey has no clue what this poor dog went through. Kelsey prepare yourself with proper test info to discuss with your vet. Start with the cheapest, easiest tests first and work your way up. Keep us posted.

Yes, we will be doing a thyroid test at our local vet, and then depending on that we will go to the specialist.

I wish I had "the solution" to your problems but all I can do is sympathize. My Sasha has a severe case of food possession ... every time I think we've got it under control one of us will do something (stupid?) and I'll end up getting bitten - and as you've said, when she goes off, it's just all gone; there is no control until she snaps back to normal again.
I guess it's part of the price we pay for rescuing, but that doesn't make it hurt any the less physically or emotionally. I really hope you can find a workable resolution to your problem ... the alternative is not why we rescue.

Kelsey- I had no idea things had gotten so rough. I would strongly urge you to begin seeking a medical related cause. Thyroid, or perhaps some imbalance.

I struggle to reccomend medication because honestly sometimes that does more harm than good. It just "drugs the dog up" and the internal battle still rages with whatever is going on.

Have you consulted a professional trainer? Not a dominance based one- a force free trainer. At this point (I don't care what others say- fighting "aggression" with aggression or dominance just makes it worse.) She does not need to get any worse. If you would like I can find recommendations for a trainer in your area if you give me a city and state.

Yeah, I've tried to keep things to myself for fear of the worst. We've had a LOT of consultations with multiple different trainers...I've spent upwards of $300 just on trainers, and after Kennedy's bloat scare it hasn't been easy. We brought in multiple behaviorist sand multiple trainers, all positive based of course. Some specializing in aggression, some not. I tried to find trainers with different backgrounds to get a few different insights. I even brought in the behaviorist we took her to for her anxiety problems and she couldn't believe it. Whatever is going on with her, happened fast. Most trainers told me the same thing..it's either medical or mental. Well, duh. I think a lot of them sugar coated it for me, or lulled me into a false sense of security with her.

We are going to do a full blood panel when I bring her in, and go from there.

Just another option but maybe see if your vet or a specialist knows of any universities doing studies on aggression in dogs. I know the one closest to me has a website that lists all the studies. If an open study, then costs may be covered. If I was in your spot I would definitely look towards major university on cutting edge and if cost is issue a study may be viable option.

Otherwise, hang in there as best you can and know that everyone here will support you!

WOW, I never even thought of that, Jessica! Thanks for that suggestion, that would have never in a million years crossed my mind.. Thank you!

My understanding is that you need to specifically test for thyroid and even then it can be difficult to pick up. I am not sure if a standard full blood panel is sufficient??? There are specialised clinics that can do this type of testing so it might be worth making it known to the vet that you want this type of service.

I said she would be getting a thyroid test and a full blood panel.

umm okay, I just read above when you said this "We are going to do a full blood panel when I bring her in, and go from there."

And before when I suggested it you said full blood panel so you will have to forgive me for trying to help.

Earlier in the thread I stated she would be getting a thyroid test done as well, no need to get offended.

And yes I did, but after research I decided she would be getting another panel done, I am not sure why you are so angry.

I am not angry or offended at all. I have a friend that has a husky with thyroid problems. Normal tests didn't pick it up, thyroid test didn't pick it up. Sample needed to be sent to a specialist clinic to test and it came out positive. I am simply trying to communicate that sometimes these tests need specialised analysis.

I posted way back that I thought it might be worth looking into thyroid despite your request that new or infrequent visitors don't post unless they read your previous posts. I posted what little I know despite this as I genuinely wish to help.

I am truly sorry that you are having these problems with your dog.

I just asked that before people asked me the same questions over and over again to go back and look, not that anyone who doesn't know everything that has been going on is not allowed to comment.

I already have a specialist lined up depending on what happens with everything.

Thank you.

The good news is that the Husky diagnosed is now on medication for the thyroid and is back to her normal happy self - Infact she was running around happily playing with my boy on the weekend. I hope for the same with yours.

I too hope it is an easy fix.