The situation: I moved in with my in laws 6 months. They have 2 dogs. The
first dog (definately the alpha dog) has a normally nice disposition. While
she does violently guard food and beds, she is a small pomeranian and I
don't have problem with her.

The second dog though is a small mutt of unknown origin. After living in
the house for 5 months, she treats me as a stranger, snaps at me if I
accidentally get too close to her, growls and bares her teeth at me
constantly. When I leave the house, she tries to attack my ankles.

My in-laws are completely noncompliant about modifying the behavior of the
dogs in any way. This second dog is already a genetic freak. It has never
seen a vet, goes ballistic if ever put on a leash, and is not spayed. I
have the dog to myself a few times per week, so if I am going to do anything
about this, it needs to be possible assuming only sporadic training and
complete noncompliance the other days.

Is anything possible? Or should I just resign myself to getting bitten.
Moving out of the house is not a financial possibility at the moment, nor
will the inlaws get rid of the dog.

I'm at my wits end here, I thought it was temporary when I moved in, but
this dog is showing no signs of letting up in her aggressive behavior.

David