dog biting-Sheltie

Question
We own a ten year old female sheltie mix the we adopted from an anal
shelter three years ago.  The first two years were fine, but in recent months
she has begun biting at people who invade her space.  Sometimes these
invasions are surprises, but often it is after receiving commands and ignoring
them.  She used to get into her kennel on command, but now she will only
listen to me and not the other members of the family. When they reach for
her collar, she often responds by biting at them. Sometimes she misses, but
often she gets a good bite in.  For the first time this week she bit someone
who wasn't a member of the family who was an adult.  We are concerned
because I work for a church and have all kinds of people over. We are
nervous every time one of the youngsters comes in the vacinity of the dog.  
Is thee a way to correct this behavior without having to put her down?  Every
time I think of that option I get sick at my stomach.


Answer
Hi Brad, Shetland Sheepdogs are highly social animals with lots of energy. They can become unhappy, noisy, or aggressive if they do not have a job to do. As herding animals, they have a tendency to nip by their nature. Are you giving her plenty of exercise and play time, or a job to do (even if it is chasing a ball or frisbee)? I would suggest you enroll her in a group doing obedience, agility, herding, or flyball,... Check your area, and usually you can find others in your area that train or would enjoy having another dog in their play group. They are usually peaceful dogs as long as they have physical and mental stimulation, so they do not develop neurotic behaviors. Also, at 10 she may be developing one of the many health problems of this breed. Talk to your vet and get her a good physical exam including checking her hips and patellas. Read up on all the diseases common to the Sheltie, as there are many. I understand your need to have her well socialized. Take her out to parks, pet supermarkets and other places where she can be with you, reinforce her good obedience habits, and have time to play. Please don't give up on your 10 year old companion. Many people get herding breeds and do not realize how much activity they require. But getting a good check up prior to giving her a bunch of exercise will be important. I know that you can resolve this problem.  Please leave me some feedback, nominations if you wish, and keep me posted. The only way we can tell we are doing a good job as volunteers is by your feedback or reposting us. It is much easier to see results in our classes. So let me know how it goes with her, I really would like to know the outcome. Shelties are very nice dogs when they are given the things that they require and you sound like you are the right person for fixing her of this behavior. Thank you for writing. Regards, Susan