LoveToKnow Dogs:AllComments

From LoveToKnow Dogs

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Hi Glenda,

I'm curious to know what the obedience class instructor thought about the situation and if he/she offered any expert advice.

That said, you have to provide calm leadership for your dog and assert yourself at the head of his pack. It would be most helpful if you could do this by walking him together with a group of dogs on a daily basis. Walking, moving together in a pack is primal for dogs. It calms them and gives them perspective on their place within an entire group. Although your dog may start out acting aggressively, he should begin to settle down as the walk continues and all the dogs get into a rhythm. It will be your job to check the aggressive posturing and attitude the very first moment you feel him begin to fixate and tense up. Your real challenge here is to find other people with dogs willing to walk with you.

Thanks for sharing your situation. This actually might be a good topic for your to post on our Dogs forum. You'll likely get more suggestions there.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

My BC is 18 months old and has some form of aggression toward other dogs. I tried obedience classes but he fixates on the other dogs. At home he does all the obedience work and is very attentive. We have had BC's for many years and this is the first dog aggressive one we have run into. In class his tail will tuck up under the body making me think fear aggression but it never diminished in class. When walking on the street and confronted by another dog he does not tuck the tail up under and sometimes even is wagging it but still lunging and snarling. We also have a Westie and they are best friends. Any ideas on how to help him love his fellow dogs (not just his brother)?

-- Contributed by: glenda

Hi Gerri,

It sounds like you're doing a good job with training Rufus, but Labs and Border Collies are boisterous breeds, so you'll have to remain consistent. Yes, your puppy will settle down a bit more as he grows and matures, so it's just getting through puppyhood that is the real challenge. It may be helpful to distract him into a more acceptible behavior when the barking begins. Keep a toy handy to give him so he has something else to do with his mind and his mouth. I suggest an interactive toy that makes him work to get a treat out of it. Additionally, I know you said he responds to some commands, but if you haven't put him through formal obedience training, now is a good time to begin. Your trainer might have other tips to help with the barking.

Thanks for sharing your situation, and please don't throw in the towel. It sounds like Rufus is going to make a very good companion once he matures.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

we adopted Rufus from SPCA. He was the "quiet" one of the litter. He's a lab/border collie mix. We have had large mixed breed dogs for our entire 28 years of marriage. this is our 3rd puppy. due to work schedules, there is always someone home with him. He recieves a 1 to 1 1/2 hour walk each afternoon as well as a hour walk each night. He still has enough energy to get into all kinds of mischeif!! We should have called him Marley!!!!! My question is, will he calm down? He is 7 months old now. He can sit,stay, lay down and give paws on demand. We got him thru chewing stage, but, each time he learns a new welcome behavior, he seems to exhibit a new unwelcome one. Currently it is obsessive barking.We've tried crossing arms and turning back on him to ignore, he just jumps up on our backs! We tried water bottle spray... he thinks it's a fun game. He runs up barks in your face then runs away and thru the house "catch me" I am about ready to throw in the towel!!! HELP PLEASE!!!!!

-- Contributed by: gerri

Hi Mary, I too have a Border Collie (i just love her) I agree enroll her in obedience class (where she learned the skill of "leave it" when she is focusing on something other then the task at hand)- I recommend a clicker class. I keep my girl's attention when we walk by giving her a treat (low fat) when we cross a busy street, when she does "leave it" and is walking without pulling. I also find the use of a harnass better then a collar while walking. hope this helps

-- Contributed by: Wendy
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