If your dog is active and outgoing, adopt a dog with similar qualities. If your dog is quiet and more reserved, look for a dog that will compliment this type of lifestyle. Most dogs have to “learn” how to get along with each other. Don't force your “home team” dog...Read More
What games boost dogs confidence?
One favorite game to play is the “anything goes” game It´s not a shaping game per se – because there is no end goal and no criterion – but it looks a little like shaping, and it´s actually a booster not only for confidence but also for shaping games later...Read More
Will my rescue dog ever stop being scared?
He's ridiculously sweet and bonded with us immediately, so we plan to keep him. He's about 90% housebroken and we don't have a yard to let him out in, so getting him out for walks is non-optional. Everything scares him. Cars. Birds. People. Music. I also think I may have...Read More
Can dogs feel insecure about their looks?
Theoretically, if your dog were to feel self-conscious or embarrassed, how would they act. Well, for starters, they might put their tail between their legs. In fact, leaving with your tail between your legs is a popular saying that describes an embarrassed or sheepish human too. Another thing you might...Read More
How do I stop my herding dog from nipping other dogs?
The first thing you want to do is make use of some basic commands. Try starting with the “come” command, which will stop your dog in his tracks when he goes to nip someone. Telling the dog to “sit” or “stay in place” will also work. If you can spot...Read More
How to tell if your dog has herding instincts?
To determine if your dog has herding instincts, consider that herding breeds were developed to gather, herd, and protect livestock such as sheep or cattle. That shared heritage means they all have the instinctive skill and drive to control the movement of other animals. To a herding dog, however, other...Read More
How do I stop my Border Collie from reacting to other dogs?
Border collie reactivity – barking, lunging, snarling, and snapping – is a very common problem with collies. Border collies, on the whole, are not aggressive dogs, but they can very easily become overwhelmed and defensive. They are bred for working on farms, in the peace and quiet of the countryside,...Read More
How to train out herding instincts?
Herding breeds nip for a number of reasons, the most common one being that it is their DNA. Herding dogs may nip at heels or other pets, reflecting their instinct to herd. Because of these instincts it might seem like training a herding dog is more difficult than other breeds,...Read More
How to stop aussie nipping?
We have tried the pushing away and saying no. We have tried to redirect his attention. We have tried yelping as if we are hurt. We've tried putting him down on his back and when he calms down we praise and rub his belly. We have plenty of chew toys.Read More
Are herding dogs aggressive?
Aggression isn't so clean cut-technically any dog can behave aggressively. You can flip someone off, but not actually intend them any harm-this is still an act of aggression. If its predictable, you can call it an aggression problem, but I prefer to focus on the cause (anxiety, fear, uncertainty) than...Read More
What command goes against a herding dog instincts?
Herding breeds nip for a number of reasons, the most common one being that it is their DNA.
Herding dogs may nip at heels or other pets, reflecting their instinct to herd.
Although Gambini wants to herd the people and animals in the house, this wasn’t a job that his...Read More
Why is my Border Collie so aggressive towards other dogs?
He has also had a tendency to nip and growl at young puppies, causing them to start crying and run away. It's hard to predict when it will happen because it's usually out of the blue. He is also not fixed yet, but now I'm really looking into it to...Read More
How do I train my dog to not be reactive to other dogs?
If the dog owners decide to visit, or let the dogs say hi, the problems may get worse. On-leash, both dogs feel trapped, unable to get away from each other. Unfortunately, a tight leash tells your dog you're stressed, making your pup more stressed in return. Many owners don’t recognize...Read More
How to play with a herding dog?
Agility training and other dog sports are an excellent outlet for your herding dog's stalking and chasing instincts. Considerations for Apartment Living with Herding Dog Breeds indicate that an apartment complex with a nearby dog park can substitute for a yard and provide your dog a place to run, burn...Read More
What does it mean when my dog won't leave my side?
He won't leave my side. No matter what I am doing, he insists on being near me. If I am in the kitchen, he is standing between me and the counter. If I go to the bathroom and don't close the door completely he puts his nose in through the...Read More