I have a border collie and he has started to get vicious?

Question

He sometimes tries to fight really big dogs, is there anything that will stop him as he will get hurt soon, he has be neutered.

I also have a Golden Retriever he snaps at occasonaly and walk both of them with another dog. they play fine most of the time but then he starts,

He is 1year and 6 months

Answer 1

Having more control over him will help you to manage the problem.

You need to recall him from any situation where he might start to fight and teaching him to drop and stay on command is also really useful.

I have a Border Collie who is a bit snappy but I can get him back to me when he sees another dog or I can get him to lie down and then go to him and put his lead on.

It doesn't really matter why your dog is being the way he is the important thing is to be able to control him. As his owner you have the responsibility of being in charge of him and obedient dogs are less stressed because they know that their owner is in charge.

Mine also know 'leave it' which I use if they look at another dog in an aggressive way. They then break eye contact and move away with me.

Another technique to deal with your dog if he is aggressive towards other dogs when he is on leash is to distract him with a toy or food so that he looks at you and not at the other dog. If you get past the other dog without your dog growling or barking you can reward him with the toy or food or 'good dog' so that he knows that he has done well.

If he did growl or bark put the toy/food away and walk on without speaking to him. Don't tell him off because if he is feeling a bit excited and snappy you telling him off will make him even more excited and he really needs to learn to be calm.

If you do this right the dog will learn to look at you when he seees another dog because he knows you are going to play with him or give him a treat.

One person has suggested that you 'dominate' him and tell him off for everything he does wrong. It is much better to teach the dog the correct behaviour and then praise him for doing it right.

This makes for a happier dog who is more willing to do what you want him to do and it is definitely more relaxing for the owner.

The quicker you can train him out of having a go at other dogs the better it will be. Dogs learn bad habits and the more they do them the better they get at them.

On the good side they can also learn good behaviours just as easily as long as there is some motivation for them - play, food, praise etc.. The Border Collie is very intelligent and quick to learn so if you get the right help you should be able to control him.

All the techniques of recall, leave, immediate down and distraction should be taught at any good dog training class or even better, in your case, by a one on one trainer.

Make sure that you check them out - they should use reward-based, positive training methods. If they shout and yank at the dogs and rabbit on about dominance don't even bother enrolling.

Answer 2

Here's the web address for the Association of Pet Behaviour Therapists. They will be able to put you in touch with a behavioural trainer in your area if thats what you decide to do, they also sell books.
There really is more to this than 'showing 'em who's boss' as I'm sure you've realised, plus you have a normal Retriever so you are capable of handling a dog.
Border collies can be a world apart and I agree with Dog Doc, some problems are just easier to deal with if you have some guidance and assistance from a pro trainer.
Some trainers specialise in this breed and of you're lucky you'll find one near you; they are used to their little foibles. Plus its often easier for someone watching to pinpoint the problem; while you're dealing with your dog they can be looking out for the small clues.
Meanwhile consider using a Halti headcollar, you can get them from most big petshops. It would give you a touch more control and it will also act a bit like a muzzle (although they don't stop biting).

One final point; some people suggest using a squeaky toy as a distraction, I don't recommend it as it can attract unwanted attention from other aggressive dogs, then you really will have a fight on your hands.

Answer 3

You need to watch the Dog Whisperer on Nat'l Geographic. Just a few episodes and you will soon find that almost every behavioral problem a dog has is due to lack of exercise and leadership. A border collie is a super intelligent high energy dog. They need a job to help burn off some of that energy and make them more calm and balanced.

All dogs need a pack leader or they will assume that position. Your dog obviously thinks it is the pack leader. If you can assume that role, it will no longer need to be the aggressor. But, like I said, don't take it from me, watch the show, the guy is a an absolute wizard with dogs and you will get valuable advice and information that will help you turn your dogs behavior around.

Answer 4

I have a Golden Retriever who really is a treasure, however when he was a young man, 8-9 months old, he thought he was in charge of the house. I was at the end of my tether until i sought advice from a company called "It's a Dog's Life". What a difference in a dog, through simple training. You'll get her website through the Internet, get in touch with her, she's absolutely amazing, I'm sure she'll be able to help you. Good luck.

Answer 5

Border collies are naturally working dogs, so an increase in his daily exercise may help, or maybe join an agility class, this would give him a reason for being alive which is what dogs of this breed need, also i think they are top of the most aggressive dogs list, i may be wrong but you should be able to find this info on the web, hope my ideas are of some help and just remember to stay calm when he does do it.

Answer 6

you don't say how old your dog is as this could be an important factor. If he is between the age of 6 months and 18 months then he could be going through his teenage stage. Just tell him off for it and reward him for being good. If he is older and has suddenly started to do it, he may have a health problem or be in pain. It is unusual for a behaviour like this to suddenly appear in a dog for no reason. Take him to the vets for a check-up and talk to them about his behaviour as some dogs get aggressive when they are in pain.

Answer 7

Your dog needs to know that you are the boss: most behaviour problems can be traced to the animal not knowing their position in the pack; this doesn't mean beating , or bullying him, but it does mean being firm and consistent in your treatment of him: if you have a class in your area for training then take him there, but don't think that it means you take him and leave him there, no, these classes are known as 'dog training' classes, but they are really for training owner and dog together.
If by chance there is no class near you then try to get hold of a dog training book (try the library) the one that I used 15 years ago when I first had my rescue dog Chocky at seven months old was "Doglopedia"; I would never have managed without it as Chocky had in his short life already developed many behavioural problems through the mismanagement of him by his first owner!

Answer 8

Remember that the first dog is the lead or (alpha" dog). You Must feed him first, and heap praise and love on him. He is very jealous of the new dog.

An obedience class at your local vo-tech would be very helpful to you and him for bonding and training. Make him feel special and take him for car rides and always praise him when he does good.If the other dogs challenges him, scoold the other dog. Never leave food down, as many fights occur over food.

Good luck!

Answer 9

Is he protecting you? When you approach another dog, if you tense up on the lead etc he will sense ur feeling and try and protect you. Try getting a friend with a dog to bring them round for play sessions, firstly on the lead, prefer a female dog as male on male are quite agressive even the neutered ones.

Answer 10

Border collies are very easily fixated on things, especially if bored. He would think nothing of running and thinking for 40 miles every day over moorland after sheep. Is he getting enough physical and mental exercise? BCs are very intelligent, and need to be occupied most of the day. However, it may be too late for prevention. Take him to a vet to rule out physical problems, and have them refer you to a canine behaviourist. Lots of BCs are in rescue because without a lot of stimulation and socialisation, they become too much for their handlers. You need to act now before it gets more serious.