Primal Instinct in My Dog

[dairyou]

We have a 2 year old pound puppy that we've had since she was 4 months old. She looks as if she is part Border Collie. Since she was young she always raised her hackles when other dogs came around. She almost looks like a hyena. Well off and on when we try to discipline her she would hide under the table and snarl at us. A couple of weeks ago she was laying down and I was lyaing down with her. I was petting her from the nose up and she got up in attack mode and snapped at me leaving a scab on the bridge of my nose. If I didn't have my eye glasses on she might of hit my eye. Told DH and he said maybe it was just a one time accident. I was leary but said okay. The other day DS was petting her with his feet and she growled at that. DH said that's it we need to get ride of her. Kids are devastated.

Other than this she is a good listener and obediant. It the overal scheme of things I know it doesn't matter but I thought it might help with the assesment.

Is there anything we can do to lessen her primal instinct? I think not, but for my kids I thought I'd ask here.

Thanks!

Deb

 

[Goofyluver]

Before giving up on her, I would take her to the vet. You never know what may be going on...could she be in pain for something, could she be ill? My dog bit my father, this is the only time she has bitten. I took her to the vet and she was ill, with a very high fever. Since this has been going on for a while, I don't know if it is the same situation. I would still go to the vet and inquire there first.

 

[ilovejack02]

http://www.primal-needs.com/

Check this out! This guy is in your area and endorsed by Cesar Millian.

 

[MushyMushy]

I agree with Goofyluver. I would try a vet or a behaviorist. We were actually able to talk to a behaviorist for free when I was having some problems with my dog. I called her on the phone, then we found out she'd be going to the Human Society for free to work with dogs, and then ran into her a few times at PetSmart. So, it needn't be expensive. Call the nearest university with a veterinary school to see.

 

[dolcezena]

We have a border too, but we got him when he was very young, straight from his parents (both working dogs on a farm).

I read up on the breed when we knew we were getting him, because I'd never had my own dog before. Apparently, the "herding" instinct is very tightly linked with the "predator" instinct. In fact, it's a barely controlled predator behaviour (ie - stalking).

Our little guy is incredibly affectionate & a cuddle monster most of the time, but he too has snapped when he's unexpectedly woken up (very occasionally). He has also snapped at his big "sister" (Lab/Husky cross) at feeding time.

His biggest behavioural problem is jumping at people (especially me!) when they try to leave the house. He's even bitten my arm a couple of times - more in the nature of trying to "restrain" me than attack. Quite typical for a border collie - they either keep everyone in, or keep everyone NOT in the "herd" out.

I talked to a trainer & she said positive reinforcement is best. So, invade his "space," & if he doesn't react, praise him generously & reward him. Borders are SMART, it doesn't take long for them to learn. My guy still has to get half a cookie when I "abandon" him for the day, but he doesn't even jump at DFi at all anymore. (Yup, he's a momma's boy)

Good luck, really. I can't imagine my life w/o my guy. Not to mention, HIS energy on our walks keeps MY weight down!

 

[dairyou]

Thanks Everyone!

I'm so glad there is hope! My kids thank you a million times because we were truely thinking of getting rid of her. I can't imagine one of my kids getting hurt because we didn't take action.

I'll look into what you guys posted.

Deb

 

[HonestAbe]

I usually step back about 6 paces, get a running start and let my right foot go flying into the ol' pup's ribs. That shows her who the boss is and releases my own primal instincts.

Seriously, I agree with the vet and animal behaviorist comments. Seek some professional help on it and you'll all be happy.

 

[LindaR]

Yep, check with the vet..........but I have to say that we had a border collie here who started exhibiting signs of aggression. She is in very good health. One afternoon (about a month ago) she snapped. She killed one of the chihuahua's. Violently. Crushed her skull and ripped her throat open. This was a 40 pound dog vs. an 8 pound dog. She is no longer living here. When I told our vet what happened to Charlotte (the chia) he said that Borders really do not make good pets because this happens more frequently that most people know. She had to go because there are two other dogs and we couldn't risk the same thing happening to them.

 

[Chicago526]

Border collies do "nip" but this sounds more like an all out "bite", so something is up, that's for sure!

Both times someone was petting the dog, right? Sometimes static builds up when you pet a dog (or a cat) and they get shocked, and they think you're hurting them (or their natural instinct kicks in) and they snap at you to get you to stop. Also, your child petting the dog with his feet and the dog groweled. My dog (also a border mix) is very afraid of feet and usually tries to get away from you if you do something like that.

I'd definatly talk to a behaviorist or a trainer, right away. Hopefully it's something you can get to stop.

 

[dolcezena]

My dog (also a border mix) is very afraid of feet and usually tries to get away from you if you do something like that.

My border's the same - impossible to clip his nails - freaks completely!

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Well, you say that she is gradually getting more brazen, which happens when you do not correct the dog properly.
She is the boss of the house and she gets you "in line" this way.

A trainer or behavioralist will teach you how to properly correct and discipline.

Border Collies need their energy drained. What are you doing to facilitate that?

B. Collies need lots of exercise to maintain good mental health.

We do what we can with ours but she can keep going and going.... Her name is Gracie...