biting due to agression?

[Decota]

Sorry if this all seems repetitive, since I did see this topic posted already, but I have somewhat of a problem. My border collie is extremely sweet - when he's not biting other people. When he gets touched from behind, he bites. Sometimes at night, when we get too close to him, he bites. Whatever we do, if it offends him just the slightest, he either growls or bites. When I say bite, I mean full on break the skin, "I don't want to have anything to do with you" bite.

Now I might have made him seem completely unfit to be around, but he's actually very sweet and the biting doesn't happen that often. But when it does, it's concerning. I don't really know what to do. My parents aren't being very supportive, and I really want to get to the bottom of this biting issue. Is it due to agression? Dominance? Is he not getting enought excercise?!? what?!?!?! it's driving me crazy. I have this bite mark on my arm, I'm at my wit's end, and I'm getting really desperate. What am I doing wrong????????? HELP!!!!! :eek:

[Lunar]

2 thoughts from me: is it possible that he have a physical problem that causes him pain and makes him sensitive to being touched?

 

Otherwise it sounds like he's simply putting you in your place for doing what he doesn't like. Which means he thinks he's on top of the pack. He would be very lovey and sweet... when he thinks you're behaving right.

 

Sounds like you have a lot of work ahead of you. You should probably look into behavioralists in your area to work with him.

[Allie Oop]

There has been quite a bit of discussion on aggression in the last while - my suggestion is that you do a search for "aggression" and see if you can get some suggestions and things to try.

 

As Lunar mentioned, a dog behavioralist is a very good idea. Even if you only get some behavior modification techniques, you will come out ahead. A lot also depends on the age of the dog and the circumstances of your getting him. (i.e. have you only had him a few weeks, is he young, is he old, etc.?)

 

I would search the Board and see if you can get some information that you can use. Good luck!

[Decota]

thanks guys =)

[Miztiki]

I agree. Do a search and see what you can get from previous posts. After that just ask us about anything that wasn't addressed in your search, and be sure to provide as much detail about the whole situation as possible. No one can really help without a great amount of detail to go on.

 

By the way, welcome to the boards.

[KJ]

Behaviourist. Find a real one b/c many are not qualified. When ready, come to the board and ask. The one we went to asked me to film my dog being aggressive in his many ways over a few weeks. One is when his hind feathers are barely touched, kind of similar to yours. He gives a warning snap and growl. GET STARTED now on trying to help the problem. It won't go away on it's own b/c he 'practices' the behaviour each time. I'm still learning myself so am too afraid to give much advice but do a search on the board. I'm sure my posts will come up and I've gotten great help. Good luck to you.

[Joe Anne]

How old is your boy and is he neutered?

First get a vet to do a medical exam with blood work to make sure there is not something physical/psychological going on. Also check the protein levels in your dog food. You may want to lower that, sometimes that adds to the problem.

Either way you definately have your work cut out for you, BUT, take solice in knowing, you are not alone. My boy Phoenix (17 mos old), and I are going through an aggressive stage right now as well. I am narrowing it down, to what I believe MAY be fear aggression,(but can't figure why??) which is something I can work with. I am going to work with a fellow trainer who deals with aggression in dogs, and if that dosen't help it is on to a Veterinary Behaviorist for sure and soon.

Good Luck