worriedmom

Whew! There's a lot of food for thought! I am still looking into outside help. I have ordered some of the suggested books. I will check out the websites noted. I have tried several of the suggestions to ignore my dog and guess what? I have not been growled or snarled at for two days now. Mackenzie really, really, really doesn't like for me to ignore her. She's very much looking for recognition from me. It's very, very hard to do, as several of you have noted. I know it is not the complete answer, as I need to find out why it happened and reestablish my dominance, and I will be working on that on all possible fronts and will keep y'all posted. Thanks to all of your for your suggestions and concern - I have been really touched by all the help.

Wow! Thanks for all the suggestions! I did take her to the vet today and everything checked out physically. The vet (a bc owner herself) said something must have happened to trigger a dominance issue, but I am at a loss as to what. There's been no change in our household. She suggested a behaviorist, but I have done a preliminary check and it is around $500, which is $$$ I don't have right now. As the problem has continued (although I have not been bitten)to some degree, has anyone found a book or another way to do it yourself? I know that is not ideal, but it is better than having to give my dog up and I am willing to give it my best shot. To answer one question - I grew up with a bc, although not the same as actually owning one yourself.

I have had her since she was 8 weeks old. She has exhibited a strong herding behavior towards my children but has never hurt them. With other dogs she comes on strong and tends to scare them away by trying to be too friendly. She plays with a neighbor's cat without incident. I'm just at a loss to figure out why this behavior is occuring now, and why towards just me, her primary caregiver.

Glad to know I am not alone...I was by myself with her in the room when it happened...she also made a second attempt early evening with kids in the room, but I seem to be her target and not my kids or husband (for which I'm extremely thankful). I will make an appt with her vet to rule out any illness (she seems fine but maybe it's not something obvious). I am trying to avoid putting myself in situations where I cannot back away from her and give her space if need be, but I also can't be afraid of her. I'm encouraged a bit since she did come to me since the last incident and we interacted without any problems. Thanks for your help and suggestions!

My 2-yr old spayed female bit me today while I had her on my lap and was petting her. I had been petting her for several minutes when this happened. She started snarling and growling at me and I told her to stop and she bit me on the hand, breaking the skin (and barely missing my face). She did not seem to mind the attention prior to this behavior. She has also started growling at me at night when I put her in her room. I don't know what to do. I have several children and although she has not bitten them I do not want to put them in jeopardy. Until recently she has been a good dog and I have had a good relationship with her. Help!