[shwally]

I got my dog a couple months ago from a local shelter. She is 5 months now. We are having difficulties with her 'aggressive biting' For the most part she is a well behaved dog. But she will get tantrums/spirts of aggression.

For example... When we walk her she is good 90% of the walk, usually once we are headed back home she will start to nip my legs or just up and bite my arm. Sometimes it takes 20 mintues to get 4 houses down. IF i try to run with her she will constanty jump up and nip at me.

While in the kitchen and if my back is turned to her she will let out a higher pitch bark and then bite me leg.

I need some advise on how to stop this behaviour as well as what to do for punishment.

also if you have any ideas what kind of mix she is I would like to hear your suggestions

 

[amaryllis]

It's not aggression and you don't need to punish.

I think she's just tired and having a tantrum. Shorten the walks.

She looks like she's more than a little collie, as well, and they can be really bitey with moving objects. Just keep rewarding her when she stops biting. But I really think shortening the walks will help a lot.

 

[cookieface]

I agree with Amaryllis. The walking part sounds like it could be over stimulation or over tiredness. Shorten the walks and do some training while you're out - ask for sits, downs, touches, etc while you walk. If you need to, you can try attaching her leash to a solid object (e.g., tree, street sign) so that you can step out of her reach. Make sure that she can't get into the street or driveways from where she's tethered.

When you're in the kitchen, I'd focus on management. Use a crate or ex-pen to prevent her from biting you. It sounds like she wants attention and she probably gets it when she bites - she's being reinforced and will continue to do it.

The only type of punishment you should be using is removal of attention.

Check out the Training and Behavior Stickies, especially, 4 quadrants of operant conditioning I thought there was a sticky on biting, but can't find it. Perhaps someone else can direct you to it.
http://www.dogforum.com/training-behavior-stickies/