I have an 18month old desexed Border Collie who I recently brought to the UK from Australia (2 weeks ago). He is very well tempered and very affectionate / chilled. Save that since ariving here he has bitten 2 separate dog walkers when they have attempted to leash him up at the front door.  Once was in front of me despite my having spent time introducing him to the walker during several hours a few days previously (even going on the first walk with them). I know that he is doing it because he is feeling unstable following what would have been a horendous flight and that he is still settling into his new home. I just don't know what more to do to prevent it. I corrected his behaviour when he last did it but would welcome any further ideas of tricks to use to make him more comfortable so that he doesn't feel threatened by the walkers. Also - out of interest - does anyone know of agility training in central london (I'm in Islington) as i think it would be good for him to have a "hobby" to focus his attention beyond just the endless walks and runs he gets for physical.

Hi,

So I'm guessing from what you say that prior to this he hasn't had problems with people before?  Is he a sensitive lad?  I'm not sure about quarentines for different places but did he have to spend time in quarentine?  It's obviously been a lot of upheavel for him and probably you aswell.  Has he been ok generally in himself since arriving here, is he eating well and seeming well in himself?  Might he be feeling unwell?

It sounds like he needs more time to get to know and trust someone before they are taking him out on their own.  I would stick to one person and spend a week or so, more if needed of him seeing them for a bit daily so that he can get familiar with them and build a bit of trust in them.

I would have him muzzled to do them introductions to start with and let him approach them in his own time, ask them not to make direct eye contact as this can be quite intimidating to a dog.  The muzzle means that he can't do the wrong thing by using his teeth and therefore you won't feel the need to correct him.  Correcting him really will just be counter prodctive, he's already worried by them so he needs to build up a good association not a bad one which corrections will do.  When he is conforatable with the person and approaching them then get them to give him some of his fave goodies so that he can start to build up a positive association.

If this is the very first time he's exhibited behaviour like this then I would think that he cannot quite cope with all the change.

I would have him checked by the vet to make sure nothing is awry medically and then consider if you are trying to do too much with him too quickly. He needs to settle into a new home etc..all after a long flight.

I just wonder about the wisdom of two different people walking him already? I know you have spent time trying to introduce them but it may be too fast for him to cope with. It might be better for you to walk him while he is settling in and getting used to this new world, just so he can get his confidence and bearings with someone he knows and trusts.

Perhaps for the next few weeks one of the walkers can spend time in the house with him and do some basic reward based obedience etc, giving him more time to get to know and trust them. Once there is a bond you can then look at going outside and slowly broadening his territory.

Was her formerly a city or country dog? If the latter then the change of the city is quite a big deal on top of eveything else. As you know, BC's are sensitive so may be you are asking a bit too much of him to soon.

If you look on agility net you should be able to find a class near you.

> It sounds like he needs more time to get to know and trust someone before they are taking him out on their own

Agree with this.  Don't ask too much too soon.  My BC boy is sensitive and I do think this is a trait of the breed.  I do find that walking is not sufficent.  He's darn clever and needs to use his brain.  Can you not introduce some seek and find games just for you two to bond.  Before asking him to go off with a walker?

List of agility clubs:

http://www.agilitynet.com/activepages/clubs.asp?fldName=TrainVenueCounty

I used to go to Trent Park, near Enfield, but that may be a bit far for you to go.