blue heeler very fearful and reactive

hello all! i just got a blue heeler 3 days ago. she’s 8 months old. she’s attacked her sister multiple times and i was asked to take her in. she can be around other dogs if they fully
ignore her. barking dogs don’t bother her. she FREAKS when approached though. she also is terrified of everything. she’s made some progress these past few days as i’ve been taking her out and letting her see the world and making sure she knows i’m able to make all the decisions and she doesn’t have to protect herself, i will. she’s very smart and is genuinely a really good dog. she’s okay with people just scared at times. any advice? fixable? open to answering any questions to get the best advice.

@lisac

3 days ago. she’s 8 months old.

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You need to give this pup 3+ weeks to get acclimated. She’s in a new home with new people and she’s in a fear period. Give it time.

@kathleenloveschrist she bit off part of her sisters ear. she can’t do that here. need help!! not just fear but also aggression/reactivity to other dogs

why all the downvotes when i’m asking for help?

@lisac Ah see that’s some necessary info. So your next steps would be to contact a vet, get an evaluation done for health issues and start a conversation about anxiety medications. See a behavioral specialist, or an experienced trainer (preferably a trainer who does not use aversive methods, as that will only make pup more fearful and wary of people). Bonus points if they have prior experience with this breed or similar breeds. Make sure they are well aware that she is reactive. Ask about their qualifications or history working with reactive dogs.

For at home, crate training can be very valuable. I advise primarily using an indoor leash during the day and leaving the crate for down time and sleep.

@kathleenloveschrist i just finished my course to be a dog trainer but definitely still learning. minimal experience. will talk to more trainers too and see if i can’t get with one that knows this specific breed. will also see about anxiety meds and get her a full work up to see if she’s hurting. she also was left in a barn for the whole 9 weeks by the breeder i was told. definitely willing to work with her as long as i need, i just need to know that it can get better