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My collie cross keeps attacking little, pale coloured dogs

amy hill

amy hill

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Hello, I am really in need of advice and reassurance.

Our three year old collie cross alsatian has had a few incidents where she has attacked smaller, pale coloured dogs in the last 2 months. She has also had a major shift in behaviour, going from quiet and calm/relaxed to quite vocal, growly and jumpy. She has never really got on with small dogs but has always tolerated them until they got too much in her face. Her outright attacking them is a very new thing and I am so confused and worried.

I am terrified that she is going to hurt another dog and get put down!

I have never had a dog before and she has been with us since she was a puppy. Her recall is good, however she does not share toys well. She does plays with dark dogs and puppys fine.

I have been advised to seek advice before I pay out for a dog trainer. She has allot of energy to burn so I don't want to resort to having he on the lead permanently.

Any and all advice will be more than welcome.

Thank you

Amy
 
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Hello,

I think consulting an experienced reputable canine behaviourist would be wise as they would know best what sort of training could help. It would also be very helpful for the behaviourist if you can identify what makes your dog unhappy and why. For example:

Was your dog well socialised with small dogs when it was a puppy?

If another dog is dark, small and yappy, does your dog become aggressive?

If it is pale, small and not yappy, does your dog become aggressive?

Does your dog only become aggressive with certain dogs which just happen to be small, white and yappy? Or does she become aggressive with any small pale coloured dog even if it is a stranger and ignoring her?

At what point does she start growling? Once she spots the other dog or when they’re close by?

Once you have identified the situations that upset her, try to think of whether there was a particular incident that triggered this change in behaviour as it might provide you with more information.

Does your dog wear a muzzle when on walks? It’s not nice but it would give any dog she attacks more protection and give your dog the ability to be off the lead (though I have heard that some dogs have chewed through muzzles). If it’s certain dogs in your area that your dog is aggressive with, have a word with their owners (without your dog). Explain the situation and ask them to keep their dogs away from yours. Keep an eye out for dogs that you know will upset yours and the moment you see one, turn in the opposite direction so as not to give your dog a chance to become upset.

None of these suggestions are solutions, just recommendations on how to help control the situation while on walks and prevent injuries.

I hope the above helps in some way. Good luck and I hope you are able to help her.
 
The best behaviourists are members of either COAPE or APBC. Look for one in your area. They will require a vet referral so might be worth while just getting her checked over at the vet's to make sure there is no underlying conditions. Vets do not "do" behaviour but will be happy to refer you to one of the above qualified people.

In the meantime why not muzzle train her by smearing a Baskerville muzzle with cream cheese or peanut butter so that she can lick it off while you hold it. Once she is comfortable wearing it you will feel so much more relaxed which will have a positive impact on her behaviour.

There is also a website called Yellow Dog that sells waistcoats and bandanas etc telling the world that the dog wearing them needs space.
 
Is this offlead attacking??? If yes then lead your dog, if onlead then as the attack happens youve got to break the cycle and take control...
 
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