overprotective or aggressive?

xx aussie shep love xx · 08-19-2007, 08:46 PM

ok i have an ausytrailian shepherd when we take her outside she barks at every single thing. when we walk her the same thing happens, is she just being very protective of her humans or just to aggressive?!

Curbside Prophet · 08-19-2007, 10:10 PM

Most likely neither. You'll need to call in a behaviorist to see exactly what's going on. It could be a combination of things including you inadvertantely reinforcing the behavior. But without seeing it happen, we can only make guesses.

TooneyDogs · 08-19-2007, 10:31 PM

Yes, it could be either. Are you by any chance letting your Aussie take the lead on walks? Whoever is out front gets to make the rules. The Alpha meets and greets first, then the rest of the pack. You want to be the lead dog otherwise, the view never changes. Sorry, that's an old sled dog joke.

xx aussie shep love xx · 08-20-2007, 09:43 AM

she walks in from of me by 1 or 2 feet, but doesn not pull. i am trying to teach her how to walk next to me. we took obediance classes together, but they only payed off for a couple of months

Equestiana · 08-20-2007, 03:43 PM

Did you keep up with what you learned in obedience classes? It's easy to slip and stop teaching your dog new things once you've finished classes but you need to practise and train every single day if you want your dog to listen.. You can't just go to an obedience class and assume the dog will listen for the rest of her life, you need to make sure to keep up with the training.. The NILIF method is a great training method to use.. Before going on a walk make her sit quietly, before throwing a ball for fetch make her lay down quietly, etc..

xx aussie shep love xx · 08-20-2007, 10:00 PM

yeah we use this method now when she wants some food, she needs to sit and laydown. we do this at every corner on a walk or when she does not bark at a human or any other animal. when she does not we give her some kibble.

Equestiana · 08-21-2007, 03:32 PM

Good, thats a really good method. You should continue to teach her new things. Aussies have a strong need and desire to always be learning and doing something. Try things like shake a paw, roll over, finish, stand, etc. If you keep her mind working then you'll have a much more obedient dog. You can try teaching her the quiet command as well, this should help with the barking.