I have had her 3 months now, had some issues, walking, she pulled like crazy, got a haltie...prob. solved. BUT.....she is so aggressive to other dogs, not all of the time, but some times, but only when on lead. BUT, she has an issue with men, she goes beserk when the electric man comes to read meter, i get her settled, but she goes nuts!! when they walk out the door, seriously nuts!...my milkman has just called, she barked, i was firm with her, made her sit!!! she is very obedient around me, most of the time, but i feel over protective.......when the milkman, who had just rubbed her belly btw, went to leave, she went for him!.....Having sheep dogs himself, he was very understanding, told me, she has been abused, possibly locked up somewhere for a great length of time, hence, she attacks, when "men" leave. Is this possible, and how do i help her? I adore her, and she knows it!!
2007-03-09 07:30:38 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
I mean she is very protective of me, very much so, even when it is not necessary.
2007-03-09 07:33:07 · update #1
She is young so training her out of this should be easy but if this is your first dog you will need help.
Get an animal behaviourist to come and see her.
2007-03-09 14:39:19 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Patience and time are what's required, bitches can be more 'snappy' than dogs as a general rule anyway but the intelligence will win through in the end, she needs to experience more 'men leaving' - have you a partner or close male friend that could assist with walking in and then leaving a room for 5/10 minutes at a time and then come back in and praise her? if so try that then she will gradually understand that it's not always a bad thing. As for aggression towards other dogs when on a lead that can take a bit longer to sort out! again patience and a friend with a dog is the best way to go, let them both meet while on a lead and then let them frolic about off the lead for a while (if possible) then make a show of putting them both on the lead at the same time and walking away from each other - 'til next time.
As i said patience and time is the key, and at 20 months she is still only young and impetuous as collies are!
2007-03-09 15:53:56 · answer #2 · answered by dave a 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
People often see things in dogs and jump to the conclusion that the dog has been abused. It just isn't always true. It could very well be that she is just excited to see men, as she maybe doesn't see them all the time? Or she used to have a
man that she loved and he played with her, and she doesn't want the men to leave because he associates them with playing. If she feels being aggressive is the only way she can get her way or stop them from leaving, then that's how she'll do it.
Don't feel sorry for her and don't coddle her. Pretend that you don't think she has had any problems.
She likely knows you adore her and she is playing you. You still have to be the leader that deserves respect, a dog doesn't listen to people that they don't respect. Also if she gets the feeling that you need protecting from men or anyone else, then she won't respect you. How can she, you are supposed to be the leader and protecting her. If she feels that she is the leader and needs to do the protecting, there's no respect, and she'll do things the way she thinks they should be done. Usually the wrong way.
2007-03-09 15:49:39 · answer #3 · answered by DP 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
My parents have always had Border Collies and they're really the best dogs. You haven't really had her all that long, so she's still getting used to you and to visitors coming and going. Border Collies are smart and high-strung by nature, and sometimes they have trouble chilling out, as I'm sure you well know by now. But they're also people pleasers. It sounds to me like she might be having territorial issues. Make sure she has a space in the house (a large kennel-crate is ideal for this) where she has toys and blankets that she can identify as her own and where she knows that she can go to feel safe. It should be completely her space where nobody (including you) intrudes. Once she has a space of her own, she should hopefully start to see the house as a more communal area, and ease off the aggressive behavior with visitors. Until she gets the idea, though, you really shouldn't answer the door unless she is leashed and muzzled. It also sounds like she needs to brush up on basic commands like sit, down and stay. When visitors do come to the door, be quick on the draw to remind her of the type of behavior you expect of her. With the muzzle and leash (you could use a choke chain until she gets the idea, so long as you know how to do it right) in hand, make her sit quietly beside you any time you are near the door. Dogs get jumpy and excited by the door with the anticipation of going outside, but that behavior can translate into exciteability when guests come to the door, and can sometimes result in nipping. Consistently make her sit and wait just a few minutes until YOU are ready to go out, and she's not allowed to bolt through the door when it opens, either. It goes you first, and then her. When visitors are at the door, the same rules apply. She needs to sit quietly by your side when the door opens and when the visitor comes in. Also, make sure that visitors don't reach out to pet her until she's calmly doing as you ask (or you could ask them to give the commands too).
Finally, if you really feel that she has some mental issue from being a shelter dog, your vet can prescribe anti-anxiety drugs. I really don't buy into it, but many dog-owners swear by it.
Dog bites can carry STIFF legal penalties, so you need to rein in this behavior pronto.
2007-03-09 16:01:18 · answer #4 · answered by snorkweezl 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Patience, training, socializing.
Keep right on loving her, but stay firm when she's misbehaving.
She's a border collie - big enough (and the breed's usually smart enough) that formal training's recommended anyway; make sure that when you're booking her for her sessions, the trainer knows about the trouble she's having, though. Dog training helps teach the dog, but it also helps teach you the best ways to be firm and consistent while still being loving with your dog. Not only that, but if you enroll in a class, it'll help your dog get used to being around other dogs and people while on a lead!
She's still young, so I'm sure she'll improve. I had a dog once that I rescued from being abandoned by abusive owners; she was 5 when I got her, and it took 2 years for her to totally relax - but within the first few months there were signs of improvement so I knew she wasn't a hopeless case!
2007-03-09 15:58:39 · answer #5 · answered by Megs 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
She has stepped into the pack leader role...This doesn't mean that she is a dominant dog, but she has made the assumption that no one is acting like a leader, therefore she is filling the vacancy.
You need to resolve this by getting a trainer, who will examine her dynamics. You need to stop refering (in your mind) as a shelter (unloved) dog. Your Border collie is picking this feeling up, and seeing it as a weakness.
I wouldn't worry too much. This is easily rectified with a few changes in your demeanor (act more assertive, give affection on your terms)...but a trainer can help you narrow down the exercises that will be needed.
A dog shouldn't be protective of you....Only a Alpha does the protecting. Your dog should be looking for guidance FROM you.
2007-03-09 15:47:43 · answer #6 · answered by Tracey A 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Look for some dog training classes in your area to get her used to other dogs and people.
I have a Welsh border from rescue who showed some of the problems you have when we first had him.Borders need to be busy and need tasks to do ,they are after all working dogs.I think your Girl may be making it her task to protect you and your property.
Try the classes if you can ,worked well for us.
All the very best to you and your Dog.
2007-03-09 15:48:40 · answer #7 · answered by pigtailkid 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
My recommendation requires a dedication, and time, but will very likely solve the problem.
Enroll in obedience classes, taught by a man..Call ahead, to let him know of your dog's issues..
Get the recommendation for which class instructor from your veterinarian. Local SPCA .Or your local (trusted) groomers. .
2007-03-09 15:40:16 · answer #8 · answered by Chetco 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Ahhh, Im so glad she now has someone who loves her and is going to give her the love and care she needs. I also have a dog with the same problems, however he just wants to attack everything in sight. Iv just enquired about dog training which im told will sort him out, so maybe have a look and see if theres 1 in your area, also try asking your vet....
Good luck, Dont give up!!
2007-03-09 15:42:23 · answer #9 · answered by rachel c 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Consult a certified behaviorist before this aggression gets out of hand.
2007-03-09 15:34:46 · answer #10 · answered by W. 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋