My Dog Bear

Question
Bear is a 2 year old cross Border Collie who was fine up until about 6 months ago where he has taken control. He will not allow me to rake leaves,  broom sweep, use a lawnmower, take out the trash ( wheelie bin style).He used to enjoy running alongside of me whilst cycling but now he hates it and bit me when I mounted the bike. He constantly barks agressively and attacks whatever I am using. I would appreciate your view on this matter , thank you. Jen

Answer
The Border Collie can, and often does, develop aggression problems and other neurotic behaviors because they are WORKING DOGS and need a JOB.  These are not casual pets.

Obviously your dog is attempting to control any of your behaviors (especially bike riding) which precipitates his strong genetic urge to CONTROL.  You must give this dog a job and you must train this dog, using positive reinforcement ONLY, to work for you every day during the normal course of events.  Ideally, when this homework has been accomplished, you will give your dog a command when it is time for you to sweep and he will, without hesitation, DO IT.

Find out about positive reinforcement training, there are few candidates more exquisitely designed for it than Border Collies.  You can go to Karen Pryor's web site and acquire the articles needed to effectively teach your dog to sit, heel, down, stay, come when called (using words YOU invent, not the standard commands, one behavior at a time (giving about two to three weeks for a strong reliable response for each behavior.)  In a few months when your dog has strong reliable response to a variety of commands, you can teach him to BRING you the broom, help you rake the leaves (by circling them) and all sorts of extended obedience behaviors.  This is now your job, to prepare him to do his.

While you are working on this, you can give your dog a harmless way in which to exercise his strong urge to control.  Go to any toy store and purchase five or six large, hard rubber (not inflatable) balls.  Put them out in a securely fenced area (your yard).  Your dog will, without any prompting, begin to herd them.  He will bark at them, he will push them, he will exercise himself and provide you with hours of entertainment.  Meanwhile, prevent his problem from getting worse by confining him when you are about to embark on any behavior (such as raking) that elicits his unacceptable response.