New year, same problem.

[Gordon]

6 months ago I got a lovely border collie. First couple of weeks were good. Bobby is almost 2 years old. He lives with our other Border Collie "Clyde" who is 3 months younger and fantastic with other dogs.
My problem is when out for walks. As soon as Bobby sees another dog he wants to bite it. We have been told it is because he is nervous and insecure and feels he needs to show he is more dominant by having a bite at the other dog. I have tried different types of collars, leads, halti etc and most of them have not helped. He has met dogs off lead and sometimes taken a nip at them, after that he usually just wants to play or will ignore them completely.
What I am feel I now need is to actually face this full on by meeting other dogs with Bobby and with handlers who know how to let dogs meet and possible problems without going mental if the dogs have a confrontation and without me being made to feel like I have a mental dog. I have spent a weekend at the border collie rescue center and they agreed that he is nervous around other dogs and their training has helped but not cured the problem. They advised that all he needs is practice meeting other dogs.
Around humans he is the most placid dog you will ever meet. He stays with a work mate at times as his wife is in a wheelchair. He is a wonderful therapy dog as he is so calm with people.
Can anyone help?

[Claire/Mark]

I have the exact same problem as you do Tara is like this when out walking and we see another dog, The prong collar does help to an extent but think the main thing is to socialise with other dogs which I am also hoping to get Tara into when she is back to full health. Maybe you should go along to training classes and join in on some walks. Am hoping to go out on small walks with Tara to start with just a few dogs and see how we get on.... Lets hope the two of us manage to control it in 2009

[Janis]

i agree gordon you need to face this problem head on!.......and yeah the prong collar might be the way to go!

i would suggest you come along and join the club and have bobby face lots of dogs different breeds and sizes in a controlled environment!............john our trainer will help and advise you!

our training class starts again on sunday 11th january at westfield commuity centre cumbernauld from 12 onwards!.............wee look forward to meeting you!
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Cockapoo's...a little of this, a little of that..........
the perfect combination!

[geri carroll]

Hi Gordon

our border terrier is exactly the same those who know him will be grinning now
some of it with him is just breed characteristics
I think socialisation is most important, the prong collar has not worked for us but is useful for a powerful dog, rewarding good behavior when meeting a approaching dog by giving a treat has reinforced the behaviour we want ie attention on us and quietness
most border collies do not suffer from aggression that I know. I think he should improve with time and calm handling, try to not approach the other dog head on, walk over off the path and to the side, this is less stressful for the dog and you. try not to punish him by harsh words or pulling.
Bring him to class or on walks where as you say he can get used to be sniffed by other dogs. most of the people in class and on walks are used to a bit of growling and snarling and are not upset by it lol they would soon stop coming if of a delicate disposition

[Jack]

I was watching Cesar today and he said something that I have long since recognised. In SOME dogs (usually hyper aggressive as opposed to nervous) the prong collar can actually exacerbate this problem as the dog is already in such an aggressive state the prong to him or her merely mimicks an attack and provokes bad behaviour even further. If they work fantastic stick with them but if not you do need to find what works for you. A collar high up on the neck right behind the ears is the way to go for ultimate control with such dogs and for those that don't respond well to a prong - kendal kindly posted a picture of the collar designed for this not long ago - I believe it was designed by Cesars wife Ilusion and named after her they seem to get fabulous results from otherwise out of control aggressive dogs, whether the aggression is brought on by Alpha behaviour or nerves is pretty much moot here you just need to be able to be in control first then deal with the psychology once you have that control.

I agree with everyone else as regards the fact he needs extensive exposure to other dogs under controlled circumstances - John and his training school will be the ideal place for you to get this - as would getting your dog out on pack walks with a nice balanced, friendly pack of dogs & humans - he'll come on in leaps and bounds but you will have to spend a lot of time with him to achieve this and be 100% consistent.

Very best of luck to you - keep us posted how you get on.
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Staffies are my life! Visit us at www.staffies.co.uk

[Joe]

[Dave Rowland]

[Lorna]

I agree with Janis bring him along to class and John will help. Our class walks would allow him to socialise without anyone freaking out. If he gets nippy then the other dogs will tell him how to behave properly.
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Regards,
Lorna, Basil & Poppy
Great Danes are not substitute children. They are much more important than that!

[jackdeb]

I agree with the the other comments.....bring him to classes and dog walks and get him mingling with other dogs and handlers who can understand the situation you are in...........i would imagine you would also feel less stressed if you were in company with people who understand what you and Bobby and going through

Debs
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springers rule!!! our house

[Claire/Mark]

The prong collar seems to help Tara as she doesn't seem to lunge as much and calms quicker when walking.... I also use a ball and treats and keep Tara's attention on me once I get by the other dog I give Tara the treat or the ball, this seems to work for Tara too.

[Gordon]

I will come along next week with Bobby and Clyde for the dog walk. I wont go to the training class to begin with as the class will be disrupted with him to start.
So what time does the walk start and for how long does it take. I am really glad that there is something I can go to with handlers that have seen this before and wont flip out.
See you all next week.

[Lisa/Colin]

I have much the same problem with my Great Dane Hektor. Off lead he is much better and the group walks really help him. New Year, new start for us too! Dont worry about your dog disrupting classes, everyone is really helpful and supportive, I have been a worrier about that as well. Hope to meet you at a walk soon.

Lisa

[Jack]

[Joe]

[Janis]

hi gordon.......most people think that their dogs are going to be disruptive and it is very much the opposite.

as joe says it's the type of thing that a trainer enjoys and you will be surprised! within class it is a controlled environment and all the dogs and owners are used to new dogs joining!..............on the walk bobby still might feel he is in charge..............and it's not as easy to correct............bobby will face a whole load of new dogs and faces and realise very quickly he is not top dog and has to fall into line!...............i have seen it so many times with owners wanting to come in the back door and have the dog muzzled and been surprised when they react in a very positive manner!...............there are many of us who have issues and follow john's advice and calm nature and find we have a very responsive dog!
_________________
Cockapoo's...a little of this, a little of that..........
the perfect combination!