Worried about dog's behaviour

[GnomeDePlume]

Dog is 18 months old. He shows no aggression at all to any member of the family who lives in the house but he has been very aggressive towards non-family members.

Can anyone offer any advice or insight into why he behaves like this please?

Also, what should we do? Is he likely to settle down? He is neutered.

It's most likely fear. There are training methods if you google. Desensitising him to fears. And thunder coats. I expect training classes cover this too?

What is the behaviour i.e. growling/barking/snapping/actual biting?

Do NOT look at Cesar Milan's methods though as they are cruel and outdated.

Katharine, thank you for responding. The behaviour is violent barking and growling. Hackles up. He barks at anyone who comes to the door but if anyone comes in he will growl at them and hide round corners (sometimes producing a puddle).

You are right, that sounds like fear.

When was he neutered?

It is fear which is driving it.

He was neutered in December so when he was about a year old.

I have started looking on line for a local dog trainer who can help us as a family. He is a lovely, affectionate family dog but his behaviour to anyone else is a worry.

What breed is he?

He is a labrador/border collie cross. In character he is a bit of both.

Poor little thing, afraid of everyone! He's not being aggressive at all, just very scared. I hope you find a decent trainer.

Is he crate trained? It would be easier for him if you put him in a crate when people come round. Lots of dogs find it a safe place.

He isnt crate trained as we dont actually have many visitors.

Just be careful when choosing a behaviourist as anyone can set themselves up as an expert without any regulation and there are some people out there peddling very outdated and unproven techniques which could well make your dog's issues worse

If you're on Facebook you could ask for a recommendation on the Dog Training Support and Advice group

We have collies. They don't seem to respond to pet dog training in the same way that other pet dogs respond. We were recommended a sheepdog trainer by our behaviourist, as she says her work does not include collies and that they are a bit different.

Contact apbc you will get a qualified competent behaviourist. They will insist on a referral from a vet which is essential for any good behaviourist. Do not use one that does not ask for a vet referral.

This behaviour will not go away and will escalate without proper behaviour modification training - that can only be given by seeing the situation in real life and not from a forum.

EasytoEatTiger with respect collies will come under the remit of a qualified behaviourist and will respond to training very quickly.

Cheerfulmarybrown thank you. We are currently conditioning the dog to the hoover (another of his fears). It is taking a quantity of treats strategically placed on and around the hoover!

I can highly recommend this book which you may find helpful. www.amazon.co.uk/Behavior-Adjustment-Training-Frustration-Aggression/dp/1617810509

I agree with Cheerfulmary that you must get this sorted out and that apbc is a good place to start.
Our collies have all been different and had different needs, training wise. A couple of them simply have not responded to normal training and have needed specialist involvement. Some collies are pretty calm, others have the work instinct coursing through their veins which is why people often say they don't make great pets.

I'm sure, OP that you will find a way through.

Thank you all.

I will contact the vets and see who they recommend. They have seen the dog plenty of times so know what he is like.

Dog behaviourist booked for Saturday morning.

I just wanted to come back to say that the behaviourist came this morning. She gave us lots of stuff to think about. Lots of small changes to make but nothing major.

The dog reacted to her when she first came in but she gave us things to do and eventually the dog fell asleep on the sofa!

That's really encouraging :)