territory aggression?

[aussiemom]

Hello,

I have a 7 year old Female Miniature Australian Shepherd named Sydney. We got her at 9 weeks and socialized her like crazy, like we were told to do with Aussies. She has always been aggressive towards dogs and people she doesn't know, I constantly watch her while walking her every day it's a big job. She loves my husband and I and she has NEVER bitten or even shown any aggression toward us. She is aggessive when we see dogs on our walk and also motorcycles and other loud noises. I keep treats in my pockets at all times and she has learned very well that when she spots one of these things to look to me for a treat, she's very smart. She is friendly to my friends and family, but it's only because I told them what to do, do not pet her!!!! She acts like she wants to see you and then she will nip your hand. Once she has known you for a while you are her best friend and welcomed into her "circle". Very protective of our car and also totally freaks out at the mailman. We love her and would never have thought of getting rid of her, we have no children so she's lucky she picked us. A stranger came to our door the other day and I had to pick her up while my husband answered the door, she was all wiggly so I put her down and she ran to the front door and he hadn't closed yet and she pushed it open and acted like a maniac, good thing she didn't nip anyone. After she comes back into the house she's quiet ans seems quite proud of herself. I have trained her to pick up her baby when she feels nervous and this sometimes works. She's been a real hard dog to live with at times, but we do love her. Would you call this territory aggression? She can't get near any dog unless she kind of knows the dog and the owner understand her, they will keep at a distance and Sydney will lay right down and seem very comfortable as long as the other dog is at bay, but if the other dog comes towards her she bares her teeth immediately and starts barking like a crazy dog. I am new to the forum, I just would like some in put to my little Aussie girls' problem.

Thank you, Sharon

[kuritsa18]

This does sound like territorial / dominace aggression.

first, I would take her to a trainer where they can see the behaviour first hand and evaluate the situation. Then you can work with the trainer one on one to learn different training techniques. I did this with my dog when we had some problems and it was like magic!

I think you should look at your leadership skills or 'pack leader' status with your dog. If the dog does not have the propper leader they need they will assume the role which leads to this kind of behaviour. you are doing the right thing though if you know she is aggressive to keep her under control so no one gets hurt.

Another aspect to look at is if she is getting rewarded for this kind of behaviour. Do you give her a lot of attention when she becomes this way or reward her by giving toys, treats, ect? This could have been done unknowingly so really think hard about how you react when she gets this way. This can help in the changing process so you can change your reactions to her which will help her change. Always give as little attention as possible when bad behaviour is shown; just enough to get them under control. Do you have a 'sin-bin'? a sin-bin is used when they are bad like a time out spot where they go so they can calm down and be shown this behaviour was not good. Using a sin-bin is very effective because they are separated from the 'pack'; no attention, toys, treats, ect. They do not come out untill they are calm and go back right away if the same beavhiour is displayed. When she is good and calm, especially around the stuff that gets her going, reward her a lot with treats, affection, ect so the good behaviour is re-enforced.

I hope this helps and do take her to a trainer!