Help!!!!!!

Question
We have a very active and complicated personality in the form of Koa, our 4-month old Border Collie pup.  We love him dearly and it's clear to see that he loves us too, but we're having increasing problems with him biting us at unexpected moments.  Not just puppy 'mouthing' but serious (and painful) biting.... especially when he doesn't get his own way.  Example:  We live in Hawaii, and yesterday he found a baby coconut while being exercised in the field next to our house.  He had great fun tossing and then fetching it for a few minutes, but when playtime was over he refused to let go of the coconut when commanded to 'drop it' and bit me really hard (accompanied by a rather alarming snarl) when I went to take it away from him.

He's also biting and snarling when it's time for him to go into his crate at night.  I realize it's normal enough for any puppy to go through a challenging stage, but this aggression seems beyond the norm in my own experience. I admit I'm becoming quite afraid of his unpredictability and have to find a way to stop this behavior before he bites our 11 year old daughter. I've tried all the usual techniques:  Yelling "OUCH!" in a loud voice; ignoring the behavior then offering a toy; quick smacking on the nose...  None of these things so far has worked.

I should mention that recently our vet. recommended that he be neutered early because he was crypto-orchid.  During surgery, it was discovered that he was actually a he/she - a true hermaphrodite - and so neutering AND spaying was necessary.   I'm wondering if Koa's inappropriate behavior might have something to do with male *and* female hormones surging through his system?  

I've raised and fostered a number of dogs successfully, but this is our first collie.... and I am SO STUCK.  

Answer
Hello Aly,

Your pup should be teething at this point.  But to eliminate his biting and growling at you, you must be consistant with corrections.  This may mean signing him up for obedience classes which you can start at about 6 months of age at some places.  Stick with one technique so your dog knows you mean business.

If you are willing, there are several changes you can make in the time you spend with your pup that may help.  Firstly, when you correct him, use a pop under the chin rather than on top of his nose.  It is my experience that a pop on top of the nose can increase aggression.  If you cannot reach down in time or he is jumping on you while trying to bite then step on one of his feet...not too hard but enough to get him to stop his behavior.

I believe neutering can usually be done at about 6 months of age.  This definately might help control future aggressive behavior.  I think right now it is stemming from teething.  Not to mention, his mouth may be sore after playing with a toy too.  I would get him some raw hide chews...big enough to keep him busy for a long time while he's getting his new teeth.

Your corrections have to be quick.  Quick enough that he doesn't see it coming, but firm enough to make him never want to do that behavior again.  Your daughter must learn the same techniques so she can control the dog when you are not around.

Whether or not this behavior your pup is showing is from hormones or not, he is definately testing the waters at this age.  So "nip it in the bud" and let him know you are the leader of the pack...so to speak.  I do not feel he will become timid if you correct him a little more firmly and quickly than you currently are.  He sounds like a pretty headstrong pup and you will need to bring him back down to earth a little bit so he doesn't become the dominate force in your household.  But again, keep in mind that it is probably just teething issues.  Let him chew on ice cubes too to numb his gums a little bit, especially before doing things with him where he normally bites you.

When putting him in his crate at night, put his chew in the crate first and see if he'll follow so you can shut the door.  If he hesitates, grab his collar and lead him in.  If he tries to bite or struggle, grab his mouth and hold it shut...look him in the eye and say firmly "NO!" and lead him in the crate.  Eye contact and firm commands will help tramendously.

Let me know if these methods help you.  I have worked with aggressive dogs and it has been my experience that these techniques work.  Make sure to praise wanted behavior too.  

Keep in touch.

Ann Jordan
Border Collie Coach
BorderCollieCoach.com