has begun to nip at my visiting relatives- my daughter and son (who are adults) and my grandchildren (7 and 9) for no reason. One of them may be walking by minding their own business.
I have heard this breed has the herding instinct in him and is protective especially while on his own turf.
Will someone with knowledge of Australian Shepherds tell me how to stop this please?
By the way, the female does not act like this, she is very lovable and has never nipped anyone.
thank you
2007-11-23 14:33:02 · 7 answers · asked by frederickmain 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
I'm coming in a little late so I apologize if I am repeating. A couple of things have to be addressed with your Aussie pups. First you should understand that they are entering their adolescent stage where instinctual drives (such as herding, guarding, etc) are exaggerated. The female may not show this as readily as the male because he has probably established his dominance (over her at least) and she doesn't have to worry about it ... he's got it covered. It sounds like you live alone (?) and your pup acts out with visitors. This makes me think that (again) he has established himself as the dominant figure in the household - even above you! He sees it as his job to tell everyone what to do, and if they aren't inclined to do it when he tells them ... well, a nip is in order. This is the mind of an Aussie - they are not one to back down from a challenge (i.e. a cow) and prefer to meet them head-on. Obedience class is the best bet at this point because you need to reestablish your dominance in the house. He needs to feel that you are the one to look to to handle matters like visitors, etc. While these behaviors are exaggerated at this age (adolescence) you should 'nip' them in the bud before he understands them to be acceptable. He will eventually (around 1 1/2 - 2 years) mature and mellow out but that's a long time to let him continue this behavior. Good luck -
2007-11-26 07:59:04 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
"I have heard this breed has the herding instinct in him"? And you purchased this dog with no research when you knew he would be around children? You are setting your poor dog up for euthanization! First of all, many of the herding breeds see children, especially small ones, as something to herd. And, yes, they nip at heels and hands in order to do this. Something you should have found out before you brought these dogs home.
Sometimes Aussies can be aggressive-they are bred to herd and protect the herd and family-therefore, they can be aggressive.
Did you know that the number one reason people dump their Aussies in shelters is because of the aggressive nipping?
If I were you, I would get a professional trainer involved here before something bad happens and your dog ends up seized by animal control. He needs to be obedience trained to hopefully control this strong herding instinct in him. And there is no guarantee that he will get better with children-ever.
It really frustrates me, as the owner of an abused and dumped herding breed, that people are so irresponsible in their choices of an animal that is going to live in their homes.
My baby was beaten for her behavior, starved, and let loose on the streets to die. It took me many months to train her, and she will never be near children,as she is child aggressive.
Be responsible, and if you don't think you can handle this, please call an Aussie rescue group and get that dog a home where he can be trained and safe.
2007-11-23 17:55:54 · answer #2 · answered by anne b 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
She is asking for help, not a lecture. First of all, it's hard to evaluate a dogs behavior via email, and even if it is "herding instinct", working herding dogs don't get to herd anytime they want. Your dogs are young and yes, this can be "fixed". You will however need the help of a professional. If you go to this website http://www.nadoi.org/ you can find a pro. in your area. You can also try www.apdt.com. Both you and the dogs will benefit from some training, and the bond it builds between you is unbelievable. You will need to get this under control now, as this is inappropriate behavior. Feel free to contact me if you have further questions.
2007-11-24 23:49:26 · answer #3 · answered by dogtirednj 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
1) Neutering may or may not help but if he isn't "fixed" get it done. Less room for error.
2) Increase his exercise and crate train him.
3) Give him a "job" to do instead of nipping strangers
4) Speak to a professional about his behavior.
5) Start researching the breed.
2007-11-23 15:29:37 · answer #4 · answered by Scelestus Unus 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Is it aggressive nipping? Yes, Australian Shepherds are herding dogs (hence the name) and will nip to "herd" people and other animals.
Didn't you research the breed before you brought them home?
2007-11-23 14:46:11 · answer #5 · answered by That's not my name 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The nipping cannot be attributed to herding instinct if it is aggressive. A gentle nip is usually all that is used to guide sheep, not a bite. Is he neutered? If he's not, neutering him should reduce aggression.
2007-11-23 14:55:45 · answer #6 · answered by Wilbur's Mom 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
1. Do NOT count on neutering to mellow him. This is an instinct that may become a problem. You need a professinal to advise you on the best method for him. I recommend pawpersuasion.com
2007-11-23 15:05:25 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋