Bulldogs World

I agree, I imagine the growling is largely from fear and her limited vision.  I'm no expert though.

I can't wait to hear how things go!!

Shannon, I'm certainly no expert but it sounds like you hit it exactly on the head -- of course she's scared.  Her whole life has been turned upside down, she's in a new place with unfamiliar people and she can't see!  I'm sure that a calm demeanor, a loving voice and some yummy treats will help to ease her mind.  Hopefully Lynn will see your post and give you more insight and tips.

Travel safely!

Good luck Shannon :)

you with intent to hurt whereas a fearful dog will try and escape you as it warns you to stay away with growling and snapping.  Never punish a dog for growling as that is its way to communicate to you that it is not happy.  If you take that warning away from it then it will go to biting without warning.

Shannon- I think if we go slow and put no pressure on her.  Keep our eyes and body away from her then hopefully she will settle down some.  I am bringing a slip leash so we do not have to go near her neck with a collar.  I am also going to make up a kong tonight so she has something on the trip home- knowing however that a fearful dog will most likely not eat anything we give her.  She may have been one that has had little to no contact with people. 

Hopefully Lynn will see this and offer her advice.  

She is scared to death. Be mindful that she can't see well: don't move quickly or loudly, use a quiet, calm voice and demeanor, and always give her soft pets, not pats. Don't pat, it could be mistaken for a hit. Give treats when she is calm and you don't think she will lash out at you. She may grab for the treat, keep that in mind and watch your fingers:-)

That's all I can say about it. Hope she is ok. If I had no dogs I would bring her here and let her be loved and happy the rest of her life. 

I have no exp specifically in rescue Bulldogs, but have helped out other dogs and cats in distress many times.  If she is put in a quiet room I would go in and sit down on the floor, maybe have a little bit of conversation between the two of you, but slow calm voices, and slow movements.  After awhile I would break out a strong smelling treat.  You might even consider the lights in the room, if they are really bright, and her vision is impaired on one side, it could really cause horrible shadows all over and create a depth perception problem, if they are dimmed a litte--if possible--it could help.

Poor baby, I pray this goes peacefully and you can get a clear idea on what it takes to make her comfortable.  Everything I read it seems that Fear is the problem, fear and health issues.  I get damn grouchey too when I don't feel good, I am not in a familiar place, my skin itches, etc.... And YES, I bark and growl too!

i have delt with rescues....their scared...their confused.....dont push this girl...dont hug her...give some treats but i would hold off petting her right away...give her space and time.....when we rescue our first thought is to comfort...i have about 10 stiches becasue of that on my hand,,,,,and now he is the best boy.....talk nice to her...keep it as calm as possible...but let her have space...she needs to know everthing is ok.....using a catch pole has set her back a few steps in trust.....

jsut walk her to your vechile without alot of touching soft talking is good.......

if you have to lift her....place a towel around her neck a big heavy one so she cant bite you.....if your taking her home...a quiet place for a couple of days....not in the middle of a busy family is good.....these guys bounce back pretty fast..once they no its ok......

always protect yourself.............

If she will crate easily I would crate her.  She may feel safer in a crate and I would also take a blanket to cover it.  You will know if she will or won't crate.  My experience with scared dogs is they will run to the crate for comfort. 

Good luck ladies, whatever you do don't put yourself in a position to get hurt. 

Hope it works out, the poor girl.

I soo admire you Shannon. I am no expert so I can't give any useful advise. Just know our thoughts and best wishes are with you. Please let us know how it goes.

Fear is an emotion, aggression is a response/behavior.

Any dog can behave aggressively when threatened. Under the circumstances, sounds like she may have reacted to the catch pole, taken to a strange place with strange people. May just be overwhelmed.

For your own protection, assume that she may act aggressively. Enter the room, nothing in your hands, no eye contact, sit in a chair and relax, read a magazine-anything to keep the pressure off of her. After a few minutes, call her to you, maybe drop a treat on the floor and watch her body language. Is she responsive, does she retreat, come up to you, continue interaction or grab the treat and leave. Remember, a wagging tail is not always an indication of "happy", its a physical response, so watch her whole body. Relax, stay calm, believe me, the dogs respond to our demeanor.

She may be very content with your presence but even if she is, don't overwhelm her. No hugging, don't get in her face. Use a slip lead or a snap collar with the leash already attached.  Be careful loading her in your car, you may have to pick her up. Hopefully, she is crate trained and you can crate her before loading.

Having worked with countless shelter dogs and many clients with aggressive dogs, I always prepare for the worst and pray for the best. Been bit only once by a little 4 lb. Maltese.

I hope all goes well, she may turn out to be just a sweety and her aggressive behavior may be just because she is afraid and/or not feeling well.