Border Collie Cross Bitch.

Question.
I own a 14-month-old Border Collie cross bitch. We have had her since she was nine weeks and socialized her well, or so we thought. She has always had a fear of cars which makes her cower and try to escape when they pass. She is also submissive towards other dogs. She has a very strong chase instinct with joggers, bikes, cats, our horse and, most recently, people.

My border collie attends training classes but her fear-based aggression towards strangers and children is going from bad to worse. She barks aggressively at men and just recently she has become obsessed with barking at children especially when they move fast and unpredictably. Her behaviour has got to the point where I cannot socialize her with them because I cannot guarantee she will not nip or bite. I have tried Bach Flower Remedies (mimulus) and Denes nerve tablets, but neither has worked. What can I do before the problem gets worse and she bites?

Answer.
You are right to attribute the aggressive behaviour of border collie to fear and also to be concerned that it could escalate to the point where someone actually gets bitten. The barking is designed to make strangers retreat and if your dog found herself in a position where this didn't happen, it is possible that she might feel cornered and react accordingly.

Research has shown that the early part of the border collie canine socialization period, before eight weeks of age, is very important in developing confident behaviour, so information about your dog's life before you acquired her at nine weeks is very relevant.

Getting her to overcome her apprehension is going to involve helping her to see strangers in a positive light. This is best achieved by controlled introductions during which your dog doesn't feel under any pressure. In the early stages I would suggest that you concentrate on introductions to men rather than children since they are more predictable. Your bitch needs to have positive experiences while men are around but not necessarily with them. In other words, men enter the home or pass her in the street and drop treats as they do so but they do not talk to her, look at her or attempt to make any contact.

Obviously it is important that the treats are not given while she is actually barking as this would then be seen as a reward for being noisy. You will need to use 'stooge' strangers to treat her and timing is vital if your dog is to learn the appropriate associations.

It will also be necessary to teach your dog commands which can be used to interrupt inappropriate responses and divert her into more acceptable behaviour. You mention that you have tried alternative therapy approaches for this behaviour and such methods can certainly give promising results in some cases. Conventional medication may also be used but obviously this would need to be discussed with a vet and should only be seen as a short term adjunct to the behavioural therapy approach.

Dealing with fear-related behaviour needs a great deal of patience as well as being able to accurately identify triggers for the fear. It may be helpful for you to enlist the help of a behaviour counsellor.

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