here I was, thinking my dog was so awesome and well behaved, until this past weekend.  I know its friday already, but it has taken me all week to absorb this!

I always have people over, friends, family, etc.  Yoda never showed signs of aggression to them. she occasionally barks when someone pulls up in the driveway, but I've thought nothing of it.  Of course there was the post where I told about how she bit me a few weeks ago so I guess that was the beginning.

Well, this weekend I took her to a small out of town, camping out style wedding. There was not really that many people there when I arrived, so I dont think she was over whelmed.  I took her out of the car, on the leash, and the first person who came up to us, she turned around and almost bit her hand off!  Luckily no harm was done, (good lord, it was the bride!!!) I apologized greatly.  Within the next few hours she tried to bite 3 more people.  I was horrified!!!  I ended up leaving her in the kennel in the shade next to our tent for the rest of the day, coming back to check on her and let her out to potty, have water, etc. 

I met a girl the next day who was very into dog training and she helped me with a technique, which worked awesome, but Im still shocked at her behavior.  I had no idea my dog was like this!! she is such a loveable, obedient dog.  what did I do wrong???

basically the girl told me to take Yoda on the leash and walk past her.  everytime Yoda would growl I would make her sit and not let Yoda look at the girl but me instead.  then I would repeat that over and over.  within five minutes she was licking the girl.  later on I took her around (willing, forewarned) others and repeated the technique and it seemed to work.....

anyways I just want to know if any one has ANY advice AT ALL. I dont know if I should try this technique in public, how would I get a complete stranger to do this? so Im wondering if their are other techniques.  I do not want my dog to get this any more rooted in her behavior. 

I also wanted to ask if the fact that her father showed aggressive behavior that it might be heriditary.  Thanks so much in advance, any and all advice GREATLY appreciated!!!!

Well, my first question is have you had her out in situations like this before?  Because a wedding, even a small one with few people, could make a lot of dogs anxious unless they're used to crowds.  No excuse for biting but still....

And her sire - if he was agressive because of something in his personality then it could be genetic....and I would have to ask why was he being bred, then?  But if he's agressive thru lack of or bad training or experiences, then no...

Sounds like the advice you got at the wedding worked pretty well. I would think that "practice" on that would help even more.  When I was training my doberman to lie down and stay---not move--I took her to a shopping center parking lot, and (out of the traffic area, of course) would have her stay amid all the distractions going on there, and I had no problem asking strangers that were walking by to assist by walking past her.  As long as you know and THEY know that Yoda is under your control, and can't bite (she'll be on a leash, right?) I find that most people are more than willing to give a minute of their time to help in the training a dog to have manners.

Only because she mentioned that the sire was agressive...if she said something about the dam I missed it.  If it's genetic it can be passed through either parent.  Sorry for the confusion.

I dont know why the lady bred the aggressive dad. I should have done some homework beforehand, I was feeling upset grieving for my friend commiting suicide and just went out and bought myself a dog from the paper without doing any research at all. I barely knew anything about rat terriers and usually I research everything to death. all I know is that she had the dad in a pen and he acted like he was going to eat me. the mom was sweet and loveable & healthy and so were the puppies so I went with it. anyways, I still have the breeder's email. Do you think its worth it to drop her a line asking why she thinks the dad is aggressive?

Yoda has been out and about before and sometimes does a little growl, which is usually followed by tail wagging and excitement as the person approaches. at the wedding she was acting like a mad woman.

there was a period through late winter/early spring where I was watching my sister's husky for a few months. this was the time I started taking her on walks through town and she never showed aggression, so Im wondering if she didnt feel the need because she had a big male dog with her.

thanks guys!

It may not be genetic with the dad....you would think that if it was the breeder wouldn't have him right there where potential puppy buyers would see it. 

Basically it sounds like your pup just needs some confidence building and since what the girl at the wedding showed you is working, then just stick with it.  Possibly at the wedding she was extra excited.  Be sure to always be the "alpha" with her, that will also help with her confidence.  JMO