I have a fear agressive dog named Sassy (not the same as Sassydog).
I had not had a dog before her (especially one I had trained). I took on all her behaviors as my fault and problems. I have a great trainer and we had come a long way in the last four years with and without alcoholism in our lives.
I am about a year out since the dogs have had any interactions with my ex....her recovery has been astonding. I was able to kennel her for the first time in the last six months, we are ready to start taking classes with other dogs etc. If I had realized that I was not the only one stressing her out it might have helped me to move out faster.
The only thing she continues to really struggle with is when people are staggering (regardless of is the cause is a physical deformity), if they walk like they might be intoxicated she goes nuts.
I don't know if she was reading my mess of emotions or my exs but I don't need to know, except that it is better for all of us.