We have a 10 month old Border terrier (recently castrated), who can be very nasty with some dogs. Sometimes it is intact dogs, which is understandable, but he is very selective with no noticeable pattern. We can't socialise him because of this and are thinking of a muzzle. Has anyone else got a nasty Border, we thought they were a friendly breed and are very disappointed !

I have 3 Borders who are fine with other dogs, 2 entire males (3 entire males until recently) and 1 bitch. As a breed they are usually very amiable with other animals, but that is not to say you cannot get a bad one. Was your pup from a reputable breeder and was he socialised correctly, was he an only pup as that can sometimes be a problem too. I would suggest you speak to a behaviourist, and DO go to socialising classes, I would NOT allow my dogs to behave this way, especially at that age, I cannot help wondering who is the boss in your house! I don't mean that the wrong way, but if your dog is boss, then his behaviour is as I would expect, others may disagree.
Dawn.

I agree with Dawn in my own case my girl was socialised badly we started class in the middle of a term in a class of large sized dogs in a hall after that she was nervous and so was I.Outside she would bark and lunge at some dogs therefore I avoided going where there other dogs so she was'nt being socialised at all.I found an excellent trainer who trained outdoors, all dogs were offlead for at least 20mins and she was fine she would have a little chase and bark and come back to me.She never bit another dog but she felt my nervousness.Another thing I learned was to have a toy/frisbee just for walks and get her to concentrate on that so she was more interested in me than going off with other dogs so now I'm in control,as your boy is only 10 mths old he's probebly (sp) going through teenagehood,all the effort you put in now will be well rewarded.
Ann
I read your post again please please dont be dissapointed this is a tough time wiht all dogs just read some of the other posts and whats happening with other types of behaviours just get him socialised at a training class

Like Dawn I have Borders and I can honestly say that most Borders brought up correctly and socialised from an early age they are the nicest of dogs to own. I have 10 dogs including two stud dogs who are brilliant with any breed they meet.

Unfortunately there are a lot of disreputable breeders out there who have no care to which dog they take their bitch and there are some very feisty Borders out there, this is very alien to the breed. As Borders are becoming more and more popular puppy farmers are jumping on the bandwagon just out to make a swift buck!!

The first port of call with a dog of this age, who can still be turned around hoprefully is a very good trainer who understands the working of a terrier mind.

If you would like to e-mail me with more details I would be very willing to give any help that I can and hopefully point you in the direction of someone in your area who may be able to help sort out your youngster.

jaynealpe@pipruda.fsnet.co.uk

I have a friend with a feisty (gosh, I hate that word, as literally it means farty!) Border Terrier bitch, who's happy to take on all comers. She had a litter of 2, I never met the bitch pup, but I know the dog pup, now aged about ayear, who is a poppet! Loves my 4 to bits! (His mum tries to eat them!)

There you go, a bitch that will "take on all comers" bred from! sure to be passed on at some point. Not wishing to critisise, but is typically the point Dazzle is making. (and me)
Dawn.