How do I correct my Aussie's aggressive behavior toward other animals?

My 2-year-old Aussie Mix, Daphne, is a wonderful addition to the family. My husband and I have had her for about 2 months now. However, when I walk my two dogs (we also have a 2-year-old hound mix) Daphne becomes overly excited. This began immediately when I started walking her and she spotted squirrels. Now the behavior has extended and she reacts the same when she sees cats or hears dogs barking. She begins whining, barking, and nipping at me and my other dog, while trying to get away to get the other animal. She now becomes excited when we are in an area that she has previously seen an animal, even if there is no other animal present. I walk her with a Gentle Leader, the harness that goes around the nose, but that does not help. I correct her with a tug and a "no" every time she becomes excited, but she continues with the behavior. She does not behave this aggressively when we are in our own backyard. Please help me correct my dog's behavior so we can enjoy our daily walks again.

How do I correct my Aussie's aggressive behavior toward other animals?
She isnt being aggressive...she is doing what her breeding and inherant genes tell her to do....herd things. these are working dogs and literally need to have a purpose in life. When people have these dogs in cities they usually end up chasing cars or people or other animals. Unfortunately there is not much you can do about this...these dogs need a LOT of exercise to wear them out and pine when they dont get it or get overly excited when they do get out like yours does. Perhaps you can try training her to carry a pack or something similar so that she has a purpose to her walks. It's a shame for the dog because she is only doing what comes naturally...unfortunately she hasnt the room or the work to fulfill her herding instincts.
Reply:Aussies are herders and their natural instinct is to chase or herd.Behavior modification is the answer...You the pack leader must give this dog a JOB. Obedience training!!!!! Also where did the dog come from????I feel sure some of this behavior came from her past...Also it isn't aggression YET...It is fustration..But as time goes on it will get worse..Find yourself a professional dog trainer for CORRECT ANSWERS...I prefer clicker training for these dogs.. Go online to find clicker training look for DEB JONES or any of the other wonderful trainers.INFORM yourself and then find you and your dog a good trainer in your area. You and your dog WILL LOVE IT!!!!Good luck in your quest for KNOWLEDGE.....
Reply:I must agree with the answers pertaining to the Aussie's herding instincts. I too have an Aussie mix, and he doesn't like anyone, and goes after just about anything that moves. Some of that came from his upbringing in that he wasn't socialized too well, but Aussie's are also often falsely accused of biting, especially children. They "nip" as they would nip at the cattle's nose when herding. Mine sometimes gets a piece of skin when we are rough-housing, but obviously as an adult I can handle it. Lots of adopted Aussies get returned because they are so rambunctious and may accidentally nip a child, the child cries, and the owners assume that the dog bit. So, if you love your dog like you say you do you will learn to adapt to her hyper Aussie ways. Have fun!
Reply:E collar!
Reply:I'm sure you already know this, but an E collar is a terrible idea for this (or any) dog. Punishing this behavior with such a strong aversive as a shock collar will damage your relationship greatly. You may want to look at info on the Web about a program called "Nothing in Life is Free" for some ideas about fun controlled behaviors that you can do with your dog. A repertoire of simple, highly rewarded behaviors can help you a lot when distractions come along - control the dog by asking for hand touches, etc. to keep your dog connected to you.

It may be time for you to do solo practice walks with your Aussie, so that you can have success with her in a more controllable situation! I believe that she now associates walkies with you and your other dog as a time for her to go bananas and test your boundaries. Give her a chance to work with you at a time when you can give 100% of your attention to her, and then ask a friend to help later on by walking your other dog with you, while you're still interacting with her.

I know that it's hard to change a routine. But give this a chance and you should be able to (sorry) nip this in the bud, before it turns into a big problem.

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