help! Aussie puppy fear biting, afraid it will become a problem

[CoyoteMagic]

Oh I know what I forgot.

I've learned that Aussies are very sound sensitive. A fellow Service Dog owner with several Aussie told me that you have to find just the right words, including name to use with your dog.

Spook is very sensitve to the "sp", "ah", and hard"t" sounds. Thus her name ended up being Spook(plus she was found in a graveyard.) I use Not and "AT" instead of no.

 

[redhen]

Quote:
my aunt has an Aussie...they are SO smart and so sensitive...they are differant to deal with...they are awesome dogs and they can get very protective of their owners...i love them! my dream someday...a merle... with a blue eye and brown eye..

 

[redhen]

also..

the person that said to have strangers give them treats is a good idea!...*as long as the person knows the dog may bite*...

the MORE they associate strangers with treats and fun things the better!...when strangers/neighbors come to the house have a bowl of treats at the door... when they enter..have the dog "sit" or whatever you do......and have them give her the treat...have the stranger make her do tricks...and give treats..it will de-sensitize(sp?) her to strangers... and she will learn to respect others as well as you...

 

[redhen]

also..

..i noticed you metioned a bone...DONT give her any bones then, until you have a better handle on her agression...dont give them anything that can provoke a bite right now....i really hope you can fix her!...

i think you can...she is still young...

 

[mainchick]

also in most behavior books, you will learn that a puppys fear can take over approx. 4 months of age. If the dog gets scared and doesn't recover well, or isn't "desensitized" enough, that fear can stick with them for life. Look into the NOTHING IN LIFE FOR FREE program. there is lots of info about it online. Check out Ian Dunbar's book Before and After You Bring Your Puppy Home.
You need to get a handle on this pup so she doesn't end up as a behavioral adult. I see so many dogs that didn't get the authority and discipline as pups all the time at my shelter. they can be dangerous to kids. I HIGHLY recommend looking into a CAB certified animal behavioralist just to give you a couple of tips. You might only need one or two visits. Look 'em up online. Go to the professionals for help, you would if it was your kid!!

 

[CoyoteMagic]

Oh I know something else.

I don't let people pet Spook unless it is ok with Spook. I know, sounds silly but I trust my dog. I ask her, "Do you want to say Hi?" that is her cue to go up to someone. If she walks up to them and then turns away, something isn't right. Dogs, especially Aussies, can read energy. She will turn away from people who come up and try to pet her without permission.

She has also been trained not to take anything from anyone unless I say she can have it. If she finds a "goody" and picks it up to eat it, IF I catch her fast enough, she will spit it out if I tell her too.

 

[redhen]

Quote:
yup..aussies and border collies are really the best dogs..IMO....they are SO in tune to their owners.. its almost human!....i had a border/eskimo mix and she was the best dog...i literally had to teach her something 1 time and she usually got it....just a simple hand gesture and she knew what i wanted...my Saints are kinda like DUH!

...lol...love them..but nowhere as smart as a collie or aussie!...and with her i also noticed the aversion to starngers and people that did not live in the house...thats why this dog has got to be socialized very. very well....i'll look for a pic of Willow..she was my baby...

 

[raindrop]

Quote:
Yes it will.

For a 11-12 week old puppy to be this fearful is concerning. This is the socialization period, during which mentally healthy dogs are open to new experiences and love to explore and play. This is the most open to new people/experiences she will ever be. That said, puppies do go through fear periods during the first year of life, especially herding breeds in my experience.
This sounds like fear aggression to me, and I would encourage you to seek the help of a behaviorist or a trainer familiar with desensitization and positive reinforcement.
The worst thing to teach a scared dog is learned helplessness (aka Ceaser Milan). You create a ticking time bomb, and there is nothing worse than a fearful, anxious dog that has been taught not to growl or given any warning when they are scared and may bite, especially around children.

 

[lorieMN]

lots of good advice here,,the best thing is to find a trainer that deals with problem dogs..they will be able to pick up on subtle things you dont see and correct them before they happen..I love aussies,I have shown aussies,I have a aussie now that has his CGC,agility legs and started sheep title...but training doesnt come easy with them..he is the most loyal intelligent dog but I had to work to get where we are..

 

[kitchwitch]

if it gets bad, the next time she bites, poke her in the eye. It's the shortest nerve to the brain, it'll be an almost instant "ouch! I don't like that!" feeling she'll get when she bites you. Don't poke her hard, and use the side of your hand.
That being said, make sure to use treats (sparingly) and lots of love to help her know when she is being good and doing something right. Never use aggression to counteract aggression because it won't work. Also, don't yell at her. It's counterproductive due to their sensitive hearing. Raising your voice in a good or bad situation will be all the same to her. Using a firm, deep tone will produce good results.

you cannot let a dog like that rule over you. They're too smart! if you can give her a job to keep her busy and submissive to you, it should help her fall into line better.