PTS

[more vino]

Background he's a 3 year old border collie. He's a gorgeous and can be very affectionate but he has gone at me aggressively 2x now. Once when he was a pup and trying to dig under the gate I kindly (not aggressively) directed him and he attacked me. I know puppy teeth but he lacerated my arm. Got a tetanus shot and thought that ok it's not normal but he's a covid puppy so probably not been socialised. He really went for me again a few weeks ago (bared teeth/ low growling/ snapping at me) I'm scared of him
Had a party at the weekend and loads of dogs were in our garden he turned up and went full on aggression. He attacked other dogs and bit someone who was holding his lead and trying to hold him back
He's terrified of loud noises/ will hide from kios
Would it be kinder to let him go... he's not my dog and his owners are trying for a baby.

Why not take him to a shelter so he can be properly assessed and possibly rehomed with experienced owners who can retrain and spend the time he needs on socialisation?

I'm sick of people treating dogs as a disposable commodity to be killed as soon as they become an inconvenience.

Well said @helloelsie

Just to say that I'd be worried about him being re homed. His recall is sketchy , he's very nervous especially around children/ he's terrified of loud noises/ aggressive with other dogs. And I know, I know that it's not his fault. He can be the most affectionate dog in the world when it's just us in the house but he's not my dog and as I've said he's gone at me aggressively

I absolutely agree with you. He's not my dog and no one is treating this beautiful dog as disposable. Im worried that a shelter wouldn't be able to find a suitable family for him and he'd end up in a kennel for ages which would add to his distress.

My heart breaks for that poor sensitive soul.
He's nervous around children, terrified of noise and other dogs and he's taken to a PARTY in a garden full of dogs. I despair at the selfishness and stupidity

Fuck me I can’t believe what I have just read, the poor thing is frightened of noise, scared of children and he was taken to a noisy party with lots of other dogs and people, none of this is the poor dogs fault at all, he needs to be rehomed with people who understand his needs and issues not to be disposed of at whim. Covid really does have a lot to answer for.

I don't know if you're being sarcastic but I remember the days when dogs were treated like dogs. Yes he was at a PARTY other dogs were present. And he lost it. Maybe I should get him a therapist..

Read it properly please. He's attacked me on several occasions. He's been aggressive. You're picking out the fact he was at a party with kids/ other dogs. He attacked me when we were alone. I don't want him to go in a system of rescue kennels, maybe foster homes etc...

I love this dog but I'm worried that his owners are trying to get pregnant and he's got a hair trigger temper

He’s a working dog in a totally unsustainable environment. Try a collie specific rescue. They know that they are fantastic dogs in the right environment but like pacing zoo animals in the wrong one

Thank you I will look into this. I honestly just want to help him ❤️

He sounds like a typical collie without a job. They are insanely intelligent and so much drive and with no direction it can very quickly go to agression.
I would speak to a collie rescue who might be able to better assess and understand his needs

Hi Op, if I read this correctly, this is not your dog, but a dog you spend a lot of time with and want to see in a better situation ?

I have seen this behaviour in collies who are not allowed to be collies, and the end result has been euthanasia. This dog is young, so trainable. Collies need to have a focus for their mind as well as their energy. This can often be as a working dog, or by doing activities such as fly ball or agility. Cuddling kids or other puppies may not be for him.Rehoming to a breed specific rescue is a very good shout as they will ensure he is placed appropriately .

Thanks for looking out for him.

He “lost it” because he’s terrified. It’s like putting someone who’s arachnophobia into a room and chucking a box of spiders in there. How do you think they would react?
I haven’t seen a word said about training or behaviourist involved. Has this poor dog had input from anyone qualified in these areas? It really sounds like he’s never ever been socialised properly or taught how to behave.
So tired of seeing these poor excuses for owners who thought a puppy during lockdown was a fabulous idea, like buying a fkg handbag.

Sounds like a very normal collie in an unsuitable environment.

There are a lot of collie specific rescues. I would suggest you reach out to them for support and help. Border Collie Spot, Wiccaweys, Morgans, Border Collie Trust to name a few. You could also contact your local dog training club for recommendations as a lot of trainers have collies and would be able to advise on next steps.

Your dog does not sound dangerous. It sounds unsuitable for you.

Just to reiterate, he's not my dog and I had very little contact with him for about 9 months after his owner brought him home ( to his house, not mine obvs) I will definitely look for trainers who specialise in collies. Like I've said I want to help him be happy. I'd add too that hes very very much loved by his owners, has a specialised diet/ regular vet checks/ many, many toys and regular exercise but probably not enough for a collie to be fair. Thank for your advice.

Thanks so much for your input. I now realise that it's ok if he doesn't want to be around puppies or be cuddled by kids and we need to respect that. He has safe spaces at my house and no one goes in there if he's taking himself off for a time out. I'm so worried that his anxiety is actually getting worse though. Literally a neighbour closing a car door will send him fleeing into the house. As I've already said he's in a loving home, no concerns there it just feels like the outside world terrifies him. I'm going to look into dog trainers who specialise in collies or nervous dogs. It's not that the owners don't care, they absolutely do. They just don't know what to do either. Sorry for long post 😊

This 100% Highly intelligent but sensitive dogs. They are on the go all the time and need to work. A Collie would not be my choice for an easygoing family dog.

Thanks for your reply. I get the 'arachnophobia' reference. Yes he was bought during covid as his owners, who'd wanted a dog for years took advantage of this time to get him and train him. Sorry that my post was unclear. He was trained but unfortunately I guess, not socialised because of covid. I don't know if that's what's affecting his behaviour but it feels like his anxiety is getting worse (as his behaviour/ recall etc) He's very much loved at his home and here. I'm just concerned that as he's an anxious dog he's never going to be as settled and happy as he should be and I hate that for him. Sorry for the long reply

Putting a dog down that’s not even your own dog. 🥴 How does that work then…

I know that's a stupid title. He's not getting PTS his owners would definitely PmeTS first

I have a covid dog and arrange for her to go to a dog sitter who is very experienced with dogs on a play date regularly to be socialised. She doesn’t bite though. We don’t often take her out tbh, because it’s not fair on her.

Dont collies need enormous amounts of exercise?

Apparently they do. I'm starting to wonder if he'd be happier on his own or with us .. everyone keeps saying collies are super intelligent... I really don't think he's so smart

Oh he will be. He just needs the right motivation and environment.

They don’t need hours. I know many collies in experienced homes and they get an hour or so a day but they also get their brains worked in an appropriate way.