Hello - I am hoping somebody may be able to give me some advice about what to do with our dog.
When we take her for a walk near our home, she becomes incredibly aggressive - barking and attempting to lunge at people. This is only for a short distance around where we live (in any direction). Once we are a certain distance from the house she will stop and become perfectly fine, so it is obviously about being protective of her home. She is a very small dog, flat faced and always on a lead - so she can't get near people and can't do any actual damage, but it is obviously completely unacceptable behaviour and also incredibly embarrassing. I am also worried that it may be triggering for children or people who have a fear of dogs, although as I say she doesnt actually get near them and I do always apologise.
We have tried stopping still when she does it, baaaing her (which is what a previous behaviour specialist told us to do when she was naughty), treats for distraction and good behaviour, and even turning around and going straight home - but nothing seems to help. Today I picked her up and she did stop barking at people but she was for a split second aggressive with me (not a bite just noise and barking) and I know this isn't a long term solution (in fact I suspect it would make it worse over time).
For context, this started after a man in a van became very aggressive with my partner and drove at her and the dog, almost running the dog over. Pooch became frantic (police called etc) and ever since has behaved like this in the same area.
She is otherwise a lovely temperament, and if somebody ever actually comes near her she is tail wagging, licking and joyful.
I am at a loss and incredibly low about the whole thing. Any suggestions very gratefully received!