Urgent! My dog attacks everyone that walks by?
UR Personal HairStylist Amanda asked:
So I recently moved into an apartment and my dog gets plenty of exercise I walk him twice a day. He has been with a training collar for a year seemed fine until I lost the damn remote. It’s just one that vibrates. He behaves fine with it on because he knows I will vibrate him if he doesn’t. Then he figured out it doesn’t vibrate anymore when he does stuff like bark at the neighbors through the sliding glass door so he is going crazy. He attacks the window on my car when people drive by and now he attacks the sliding glass door when neighbors walk by. I was out taking him potty and he is really strong now and I can’t hold him back he will pull me with him. I am completely helpless with restraining him now. He goes after the neighbors when they walk by and will attack other dogs he’s very territorial. He doesn’t attack people he runs up to them nips there leg and runs in the house and gets in his bed. I don’t know what to do. I think he just bit the neighbor but I’m not sure I heard him say something. I want to pepper spray my own dog! He’s terrible!!! I want him to protect me but only when I’m the one getting hurt ya know? I don’t want him to be nice to pet but I don’t want him to mess with everyone. Only if they mess with me ya know?? INFO He’s an australian cattle dog.He’s 4. He’s only like 20+ pounds and he’s extremely strong and very protective. Also on walks he tries to go after people and other dogs and will confront other dogs if they are off leash and not controlled by there owners. Apparently my dogs a tiny lil bully.HELP
Arlinda
So I recently moved into an apartment and my dog gets plenty of exercise I walk him twice a day. He has been with a training collar for a year seemed fine until I lost the damn remote. It’s just one that vibrates. He behaves fine with it on because he knows I will vibrate him if he doesn’t. Then he figured out it doesn’t vibrate anymore when he does stuff like bark at the neighbors through the sliding glass door so he is going crazy. He attacks the window on my car when people drive by and now he attacks the sliding glass door when neighbors walk by. I was out taking him potty and he is really strong now and I can’t hold him back he will pull me with him. I am completely helpless with restraining him now. He goes after the neighbors when they walk by and will attack other dogs he’s very territorial. He doesn’t attack people he runs up to them nips there leg and runs in the house and gets in his bed. I don’t know what to do. I think he just bit the neighbor but I’m not sure I heard him say something. I want to pepper spray my own dog! He’s terrible!!! I want him to protect me but only when I’m the one getting hurt ya know? I don’t want him to be nice to pet but I don’t want him to mess with everyone. Only if they mess with me ya know?? INFO He’s an australian cattle dog.He’s 4. He’s only like 20+ pounds and he’s extremely strong and very protective. Also on walks he tries to go after people and other dogs and will confront other dogs if they are off leash and not controlled by there owners. Apparently my dogs a tiny lil bully.HELP
Arlinda
marci knows best
10 May, 2009
Cedrick
Stop with the training aids and take him to a good obedience training class. He thinks he is the boss, and you need to reestablish control. His behavior is totally unacceptable and needs to be changed before you end up with a law suit.
Here are links to some of the best trainers
Bozema
10 May, 2009
Griselda
Your dog thinks he’s in charge, not you. Forget cattle dogs as protection dogs, they are not bred for it. You need to take control of him and hire a professional trainer that has worked dog aggression before. Call your vet and get a recommendation. Your dog is a liability and you are asking for a lawsuit and also eviction from your apartment. And getting rid of your dog is sending him to certain death – he will be euthanized. No-kill shelters and rescues will not accept him like this.
In the meantime look into Nothing In Life is Free. It will change your thinking about how to relate to your dog. Link below.
anniedixie65
10 May, 2009
Jonelle
I am not really sure how to fix the problem but I would reccomend watching “it’s me or the dog” on animal planet. Victoria Stillwell is an amazing trainer and I have seen an episode or like 5 with dogs like yours. Watching may help you solve the problem. I do know however if someone reports him nipping and lunging at them then he could be taken away and put to sleep because he could be deemed vicious and dangerous. Also he is an australian cattle dog and they are bred to nip the heels of cows which is where that probably came from. So it will be hard to get rid of something bred into a dog. Good Luck!
Jashebe
13 May, 2009
Collene
You need to teach him the command DOWN, and should be on a leash, in a fence, or in the house. Why don’t you want people to be able to pet him? Dogs know when their owners are in danger. YOu should be socializing this dog with people and other dogs. That’s much of your problem as well. He’s ill socialized.
*Future Puppy Owner*
13 May, 2009
Mira
Whenever he barks at the people in the window or in the car, put him in a crate when he is in the car keep him in a crate at all times, when he is in the house and he barks put him in a crate for five minutes, do not scold him just put him the crate.
Get a gentle leader, if tries to get it off, just tell him “no” and pull the leash up so he is not rubbing his fave every where, this will help with the pulling.
Chris K
16 May, 2009
Roderick
cut his balls off… that’ll teach him.. if that doesnt work put him down..
Kirsten H
16 May, 2009
Yanira
u should get the dog Whisper my dog is bad to iv been watching his shows he good
Emily
19 May, 2009
Christine
CALL VICTORIA STILLWELL!!!! (sorry if spelling wrong)
minaussiemom
19 May, 2009
Lloyd
Hi Amanda –
You might be surprised to learn this, but just walking your ACD (Australian Cattle Dog) 2/x day is not NEARLY enough exercise for him. His nipping at peoples’ heels is exactly what ACDs do — they nip at heels! (That’s why they’re also called “Blue Heelers” — the ‘Heeler” part is because they nip at cows’ heels in order to get them herded properly.)
Two suggestions:
1) Decide that you will find a good local training course — positive reinforment only, no choke collars or jerking — and go there for 8 weeks minimum…and commit to learning, yourself, how to be a better mom to this dog, then commit to an ongoing exercise or activity program for this dog (like Agility or Flyball or Frisbee); or
2) Google “australian cattle dog rescue _______________” (fill in the blank with your local city) and contact someone who can take your dog and find a better place for him.
ACDs are not for apartment-dwellers, or for people who won’t spend a lot of time with them, giving them a job to do. Your dog will be much happier with someone who can do that for him. He will only become more stressed, and will only give you more grief, unless you find hm a more suitable home.
And if you should get another dog, please research first the best breed for your life. Clearly you care enough to try to help a dog be happy, but your best bet is to find a dog that fits your life to begin with.
Stephen A
22 May, 2009
Edelmira
This behavior must be treated as soon as possible. Many canine misbehaviors are born out of instinct, and most arise from either boredom or stress. Explained here, are its causes, treatment and prevention.