[bhopster]

My 9.5 month old black lab/GSD/border collie (that's what they told me and I can see them all) is starting to get very aggressive towards people, especially men. I got her when she was 5 months, and I know she was rescued at around 3 months, so I am not so sure on how she was treated for the beginning of her life.

If people enter her room/space, and isn't a very close friend of hers, she growls and barks which then usually the person leaves and I hold her back for assurance. Last week I was in a room with 5 of my guy friends and I had her enter 1st instead of them, and she was nervous, but not being aggressive, so I figured it was okay. She was laying under my legs, and my friend reached for his backpack (about a foot away from her) and she bit his arm. I just got her a nylon muzzle, but doesn't seem to stop the aggression, just makes the situation less stressful for everyone.

At the park she loves all dogs, and is fine with all sorts of people. Every now and then she barks and runs up (not that close) to some people walking by, but I figured she is just checking them out.

I do believe it isn't related to anything involving protecting people she is close to, because she does this when I am not around, I think it's more of protecting herself, but not certain. I have considered hiring a personal behavior specialist, but they can be very pricey, so wanted to try some community input, and her adult classes at PetCo I don't believe can fix this problem.

Anything helps and will answer any questions. Thank you.

 

[nick benger]

My 9.5 month old black lab/GSD/border collie (that's what they told me and I can see them all) is starting to get very aggressive towards people, especially men. I got her when she was 5 months, and I know she was rescued at around 3 months, so I am not so sure on how she was treated for the beginning of her life.

If people enter her room/space, and isn't a very close friend of hers, she growls and barks which then usually the person leaves and I hold her back for assurance. Last week I was in a room with 5 of my guy friends and I had her enter 1st instead of them, and she was nervous, but not being aggressive, so I figured it was okay. She was laying under my legs, and my friend reached for his backpack (about a foot away from her) and she bit his arm. I just got her a nylon muzzle, but doesn't seem to stop the aggression, just makes the situation less stressful for everyone.

At the park she loves all dogs, and is fine with all sorts of people. Every now and then she barks and runs up (not that close) to some people walking by, but I figured she is just checking them out.

I do believe it isn't related to anything involving protecting people she is close to, because she does this when I am not around, I think it's more of protecting herself, but not certain. I have considered hiring a personal behavior specialist, but they can be very pricey, so wanted to try some community input, and her adult classes at PetCo I don't believe can fix this problem.

Anything helps and will answer any questions. Thank you.

It's definitely time to hire a behaviourist. This isn't the sort of issue you can D.I.Y on. I'm on the other side of the globe but if you shoot me a message via my website Bark Play Teach - Dog Training Bristol - Dog Walking Bristol with your location I would be happy to help you find a good behaviourist in your area. You're right training classes aren't designed for this type of rehab.

 

[annageckos]

Doesn't sound like she is really aggressive, more fearful. And a muzzle, while a good idea will not fix that fear. I'd get a basket muzzle instead of the nylon. It will let her pant and drink, which the nylon muzzle can't do. I'd also be very careful about taking to the dog park or anywhere off leash.

 

[bhopster]

I take her to the dog park every day, and she does great with all dogs, off leash most of the time, and is great with people outdoors as well. Just inside the house or even some stores, she doesn't like people entering her space at all, and that's when she becomes a different dog it seems.