Can you help with some advice?  My next door neighbours dog, a Border Collie, has recently become very frighted of me which is manifesting it'self as aggression, growling bare teeth etc.  It started when I was working with my neighbour using a chainsaw, up till then we were friends, but now she won't let me come near her home and hides behind her master when I approach,she was on her first 'heat' at the time  Since the incident other people have been using saws with no apparent problem.  I am more than usually concerned because I've just got a Border Terrier pup and I would like to resolve this issues in order to stave of any future incident.  Thanks

Hi Graham,

Is it possible for you and your neighbour to set up some positive meetings with you and the dog?  It will take some time by the sounds of it but if you were able to visit for a few minutes regularly - initially completely ignoring the dog - then she may gradually get used to you being around as acceptable.  It may even help if you were able to accompany her owner while taking her for a walk.

I think if it were me I'd try to suggest (tactfully :P ) to the neighbour that he have the dog checked over by a vet, just in case there is a medical reason for her behaviour and it really has nothing to do with you at all.

Hopefully someone else will be along soon with some advice.

Regards, Teri :)

Hi Graham,

You might like to try Bach Flower Remedies.  They work on the emotions and help release fears etc. 

Star of Bethlehem is for trauma and could be a good start, Rock Rose is for all known fears (fear is known to the dog)  An excellent book is Dogs Misbehaving by Martin J Scott & Gael Mariani (available from the library if you're in UK)

Doseage is 3 or 4 drops 3 or 4 times daily on a bit of bread or similar - make out it's a big treat.  Drops can also go in food/water.  Also you can drop them on the top of the head between the ears and gently rub in.  If you pick the wrong remedy, no harm done as it will simply bounce off the system, but when you pick the right one, results are great.

Good luck

Border Collies are known for being noise sensitive and suffering fear aggression. It comes with the intelligence unfortunately, which is why I am always baffled when people say they are easy dogs! :rolleyes: If this happened while she was having a season it would have heightened all this to extreme.

To begin with I would try to interact with her well away from the house and the area in which this happened. If she is toy mad try playing with her in the park with her owner nearby. If she is really terrifed of you, sitting side by side her owner on a park bench and letting her roam at her own distance but otherwise ignoring her may be a better start. This may have to be repeated every day for weeks before she comes round. Collies are not forgiving dogs. You could be in for a long haul. It really depends on how determined you and her owner are in getting her through this. It may also be an idea for him to have her spayed.

Good luck, let us know how you get on.

Claire

Thanks for all your help.  So far I've kept my distance and ignored her outbursts and gradually I'll try and re-introduce myself with the owner.  I'll keep you in touch
Thanks
Graham