Puppy getting older, new problems

Question
Hello,

We have a german shepherd/border collie mix puppy who is now about 7 months old. Any advice you might have for us is very much appreciated.

Basically, we had the little guy since he was 3 months, and he used to be very well behaved until just recently.

The biggest problem is when he gets energetic he tends to attack us to try and get us to play--it's scary because it's not just puppy mouthing anymore it's like lunging and biting onto our arms. If I reach for his collar, he'll wrinkle his lips and snap at me. We've never hit him or anything like that, so I don't understand why he exhibits this kind of aggression. He's usually so sweet, but then all of sudden he'll turn into Cujo!

So far, I think it happens when he gets a lot of energy and wants our attention--usually about one hour before I can take him for his walk, unfortunately. I've tried yelping the high pitched OUCH, as well as the alpha roll (which totally backfired), but the only solution we've had work is to lock him out of the room until he settles down.

It's become a real problem because the other day a person tried to pet him and he just started jumping up and biting their hands...not a good situation. The unfortunate thing is that I think he would be better behaved if he were allowed to free run at the park as he would as a younger puppy. However, we can't let him do this anymore because of an incident where he chased a small child who was running around...again, not good.

Furthermore, as a puppy he would sit in our laps, but now he tries to walk all over us if we sit in his favorite spot on the couch--if we try to do situps on the ground he'll jump on us and try to step on our faces! He'll do the "off" when there is food involved, but without it, he doesn't listen. Any help with this would be so much appreciated! We're getting cuts and bruises and don't know what to do! Thank you for your help.


Answer
If you haven't had him neutered, call the vet today to make an appointment.  There is no reason at all to leave a mixed breed intact.  It greatly reduces dominate and aggressive behaviors.  It is very natural for a 7 month old to challenge your status.  

It is confused about who is in charge.   It is quite possible it is used to
being in charge, and intends to stay in charge.  Having a good pack structure reduces such problems.  The dogs see all the
people and dogs in the household as a pack with each having their own rank in
the pack and a top dog.  Life is much easier if the 2 legged pack members
outrank the 4 legged ones.  You can learn to play the role of top dog by
reading some books or going to a good obedience class.  A good obedience class
or book is about you learning to be top dog, not the dog learning it gets a
treat if it sits.  Start at http://www.dogsbestfriend.com/  Treats are over done in training, and are useless in establishing the proper relationship with a dog.  

A top dog does not put up with biting by a lower status one.  You must respond firmly each and every time he bites.  Start with a warning
stern "Bad Dog!".  The great thing about verbal corrections is the way you can always instantaneously apply them at the time they are most effective.  Done right rolling the dog is highly effective.  I repeat the "Bad dog!" right in its face with the dog on its back. Hold it down until it lifts one back leg to show submission.  Use one forearm under his jaw to keep his teeth away from your face.  No one technique is right for everybody for every dog.  That may require more strength and quickness than you have.  If it doesn't work for you on him, try the squirt bottle.  Fill it with water and a little vinegar or lemon juice.  Give it a
squirt in the face as soon as it misbehaves.  Dogs hate that.  The shut the dog in another room is highly effective on some dogs.  To most dogs, being left alone is terrible.  The solution to a stubborn dog is an owner that is even more stubborn.  Every time he bites, he immediately gets which ever bad consequence works best for you.  Don't forget the praise and petting when he finally yields.

If he has inherited the real Border Collie heritage, he will be a busy dog all the time.  It is possible for a mixed breed to show more of the original personality of a breed than many of the purebreds.  Real Border Collies are very time consuming.  If you don't give him something to do, he will make something to do, which I think is what you are saying.  Think walks, obedience training, fetch, and maybe dog parks.  Typical Border Collies are challenging dogs.  Many do not make good pets.  Any 7 month old male can be a hand full.  Keep him busy; wear him out.  A tired puppy is a good puppy.