We have had him since he was a puppy .He is a very good sheepdog but he just is'nt very sociable.If I get too close to him or sometimes even look at him he growls and he dislikes children,he is a nightmare when children are around,I have to watch him all the time.Is there any thing I can do or is it too late.I have always been kind to him but he would rather not know,and why do you think he acts in this way.
2006-09-01 07:40:06 · 25 answers · asked by Julie 5 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Sometimes "working dog" breeds aren't very people oriented because it's not part of their emotional makeup. After all, they are bred to round up livestock, not interact with people. And all dogs have their own personalities.
Please check out:
www.questforhealth.com
and call the lady at the numbers listed.
It would be a shame to get rid of the dog if you could help him. I'd like to see you try to resolve this personality issue your dog is going through before you consider "getting rid of him". And that's where the above website can help you.
In the meantime, depending on the ages of the children, can you instruct them that the dog wants to be left alone and to please respect that and not go near him? That can be tough, I know. Can you put him in another room and close the door (or put him in the yard while the children are indoors) while the kids are around? Children need to know that animals need privacy and have boundries that need to be respected. Are they, in some way, teasing him that you may not be aware of?
How old is the dog? If he is in "middle age" he may be going through a "cognitive disorder" where he just doesn't recognize you and thinks you are a stranger to be growled at. There is medication for that now, so you could ask your vet about it.
This is a heartbreaking situation for you and your dog to be in and I feel bad for both of you. My thoughts and prayers are with you both now.
Hope this helps.
All will be well.
2006-09-01 08:26:24 · answer #1 · answered by ? 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Either he's in pain, or he has a dominance problem. It's of course super that you treat him nice, but it could lead to serious accidents. And I would urge you to either go to a "dog school" and you and him can learn who's the leader of the pack, not him! ASAP! now he growls next step is biting, and most likely you then have to put him to sleep... and it might be only because there's a miss communication between your dog and you. A dog needs to know his place, and always remind him of it. As soon as you let him get away with growling, you can start over again! And hitting your dog is no answer, he doesn't understand why, he'll only get more defencive. Put him belly up on the ground and correct him in a low harsh voice. Don't let him get up until he gives up growling! This is just one tip, but at dog school they can teach both of you the rest!
2006-09-01 19:29:13 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your dog thinks hes the leader of the pack, cos uve let him be that way
u need to show him some discipline ( I dont mean hitting him)
but i would certainly watch him around kids till hes learnt his place
dont worry, this can be taught, its a matter of heirarchy for dogs, hes just got his wrong
If hes a good sheepdog that shows hes trainable, hes probably just so used to be the boss of the sheep, he doesnt realise hes not the boss of everything.
Does he sleep inside or outside, all these things make a difference
seek advice from a professional on how to best control him
2006-09-01 14:50:47 · answer #3 · answered by livachic2005 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You don't say how old he is. If he has been ruling the roost for longer than a couple of years, you may have to get help. I assume you are not very skilled in dog training or he would not have reached the point he has. Dogs are pack animals and every pack has a leader. Your dog thinks that HE is the leader, and you have been letting him call the shots. If YOU try to take over now, you may have a fight on your hands. Get in touch with a local dog training club. Explain your situation. They may be able to help you.
2006-09-01 16:31:08 · answer #4 · answered by Debbie D 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if he is behaving in such a way ,go and see a profesional dog handler dont give up now there has to be an explanation.if it doesnt work out then yes the dog should go ,with children you have to be very careful,you say hes a sheepdog but dont say if you are actually on a farm in the country because sheepdogs are bred for being outside chasing sheep. and from experience my dog kept running off and i had to take him to a friend of mine on a farm and he changed he was a brilliant dog from then on.
2006-09-01 16:02:23 · answer #5 · answered by smiler 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you need to lay the law down with him and show him that your the pack leader, you will also have to give him mental and physical stimulation try getting involve with a local agility class with him,(it was fun for me and my collie)you too might enjoy it.Most collies do not tolerate children to a high degree so i would advise supervision or put him in another room but DO NOT hit your dog as this will only make a bad problem worse. Border collies are also renowned nippers so i wouldn't worry to much about him biting, there more likely to nip and hide. And are you sure hes growling at you and not just showing his teeth as my collie does this to but he is only showing me affection, lots of collies do this. I also think you should maybe buy yourself a good book on collie behaviour...(A new owners guide to Border Collies by Robyn L.Powley)
2006-09-01 15:11:42 · answer #6 · answered by FLOYD 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
O.K. now let's narrow this down 1. He is a very good sheepdog-
a. he growls b. isn't very sociable c.dislikes children. Why do you consider him a very good sheep dog? You have always been kind to him? Hmmm being a chump and allowing him to be alpha in your pack would be my guess. A few obediance lessons just might help both you and him.
Cheers Bogey
2006-09-01 14:57:40 · answer #7 · answered by Flyboy Bogey 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your dog is very dominant. He growls to warn you that you are breaking the rules.
If you have young children, when you see a behavioural trainer, they will consider the safety of the children first.
Being kind to him won't help, you need to start ignoring him and being offhand. And you need urgent help with this dog.
We can't fix this one over the internet. Please go to your vets surgery and ask for a referral to a behavioural trainer as soon as possible.
If your dog considers that someone has gone too far and ignored his warning growls, he will bite.
2006-09-01 16:20:38 · answer #8 · answered by sarah c 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
he needs to be shown that you're top dog, instead he's getting the better of you and dominating you. Needs a firm hand. Sometimes straddling the dog works cos you are above him. You mustnt give up on him otherwise he's won and it'll make his and everyone elses life miserable. There are several strategies available, i'm sure a few will come up on these answers. Good luck.
2006-09-01 14:47:50 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Because he is becoming a grumply old man.
Human males get grumpy so why not dogs. The only suggestion I have is that you get a muzzle for when he is likely to meet children etc.
2006-09-02 09:32:52 · answer #10 · answered by monkeyface 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋