Aggressiveness from my Border Collie

Question
Hi,

My border collie is nearly 5 years old and has always been a bit aggressive towards people and in the car, but lately it has become worse.  He tries to chase cars/buses etc., he goes onto his hind legs to try to get to people if they walk past him on the road and in the car he is barking and attacking the windows to get to people walking past the car.  He is quite a big collie and quite strong and I am having an awful time with him at the moment when walking him.  I am on my own with him as my husband works away and generally he is put in the car and taken somewhere but sometimes I have to walk him just where I live and it is a complete nightmare.  He is quite possessive of my son (whose 5) and my other dog (a Jack Russell whose 2).  He is totally different at home where he is a very placid dog although barks at everything.

Any help you could give me would be appreciated.

Tracey.


Answer
Hello Tracey,

Sounds like your dog has been this way for quite some time.  You may have to make some drastic changes in your daily routines with him in order to get control back.

The first thing I would do is buy a large dog crate that will fit in the car and put him in it when driving.  I would even go so far as to block his view of the side windows so he doesn't see cars and people passing by as easily.

I would then invest in some good training equipment so that he is easier for you to handle and teach.  I'm not sure what type of leash and collar you are using, but perhaps you should think about a training collar.  If you are already using one, you may need some help in how you are using it.  Obedience school sounds like a great investment for you and your dog.  They can teach you how to put on your collar, how to get in good corrections through timing and voice pitch, and how to take control of a strong dog.

There are several things you can do to curb the possessiveness also but you will probably have to keep his leash on in the house so you have opportunity to correct him when necessary.  Also, teaching your son how to take control of your dog would help.  This could be done at dog school also or 4-H Dog Clubs if you have any available in your area.

I hope you can take him to obedience school as this would probably help quite a bit.  Despite what you may think, your dog actually does need more exposure to other dogs and people in a controlled environment so he gets over his fears.  Fear is normally why a dog will lunged at other people through a window and show aggressive behavior.

Ann Jordan
Border Collie Coach