Border Collie question

Question
Hi Ann,

I am the owner of a nearly 9 month old border collie male. At
just over 5 months he began showing aggresive behaviors
toward other dogs. He has always been a bit shy of the outside
world, but he has gone after dogs that are smaller than him and
that he is not afraid of. He does show some resource guarding
as well.
I neutered him at 6 months and I have started working with a
behaviorist.
He sounds and looks fierce and latches onto the other dog.
However, he has never actually injured another dog or drawn
blood.
I'm working on lots of obedience behaviors and keeping him
exercised.
Any thoughts?

Answer
Hello Lisa,

I think you are doing well by seeing a behviorist and doing lots of obedience work with him.  It may be that he is sensing nervousness from you when you are with him near other dogs because he has latched onto other dogs before.  Let him know that you are in charge and in control at all times, even along side other dogs (big or small).  The way you do that is to have him pay attention to you only and not the dogs or people around him.  Your dog is giving you the opportunity to correct him so make use of it and then praise him as soon as his attention is back on you.

When I was in dog obedience school, some of my instructors had us lay our dogs down next to each other so that they were even touching each other to give us the opportunity to correct them in this way and praise them as soon as their eyes were back on us.  This training is to ensure that your dog gets comfortable working along side other dogs and handlers without attacking or showing aggression.  It is used as a first stage training into the stand position where the judge will come up to your dog and inspect them hands-on.  Dogs must learn to ignore the things around them and concentrate soley on their master in obedience.

I hope this helps and keep up the good work!

Kindest regards,
Ann Jordan