Can anyone assist? I have had a gorgeous border terrier for about 4 weeks now. He's 4 years old and has had several homes, I think due to the fact that he is quite aggressive. He is perfect in the house, totally house trained, does not bark, doesn't mind being left alone for a while, is affectionate with me, isn't a nuisance in any way. My problem is when I take him out. I walk him 3-4 times a day and if there are no other animals around he is very well behaved. BUT if he sees a cat he pulls me over in his rush to eat them! Other dogs, he spots them and then either runs after them (if off the lead) and attacks them (no matter what breed), or if on the lead he goes mad, barking and snapping and growling and trying to slip his collar. I was bitten by him when trying to restrain him from one of these situations, but the bite was by accident.

I have bought a muzzle for him and make him wear it if he displays aggressive behaviour but mostly I just try and avoid other dogs. He's obviously never been properly socialised with other dogs but this is stressing me out a bit as other owners are having a real go at me for having a stroppy dog which chases/barks at theirs. The vet suggested a behaviour specialist but its too expensive for me. Also suggested castration, which might be an option. The strange thing is, my mum has a young lab cross and my dog is OK with him, although the lab is very boisterous and is not in the least bit intimidated if my dog snaps etc.

I really would like to resolve this situation and wonder if anyone else has been in the same situation with a border terrier or any other small dog? I will persevere with him but maybe I'm doing something that's not helping? Any advice gratefully received.

Thanks.

Why not try a local dog training club ? Go without your dog first & tell them your problem & see if they can help it will be a lot cheaper than a personal bahaviourist & it might be just what your dogs needs, to be amougst other dogs that are under control

JMHO of course

Thank you, I will try, there are several classes in my area. To see him now, he's sitting on my lap "reading the screen". I hope he takes note! I've put it off because I think he will destroy the class, however, on reading other posts on here, I think maybe he's just a bit on the stroppy side and not totally beyond hope. I'll let you know how I get on!

CG

Good Luck & message for him Behave yourself in class & you'll make lots of nice dogs friends :D

Hi there.
I have Border terriers too. One thing with them is they DO hold a grudge. It is quite possible he was attacked as a younger dog, and being true to Terrier form, they will always "get in first" subsequently. I doubt you will stop him, but sosialising and maybe castration will be of help. A muzzle is really irrelevant because you should keep him on a lead in case he attacks another dog when he is loose, so theoretically a muzzle will not be neccessary, although for peace of mind it wouldn't hurt I suppose.

A good idea would be to try and walk him with bitches that are friendly, on a lead of course in a controlled manner, so he learns that every dog is not for attacking. I wish you luck.
Dawn.

Thanks for reply.

The past 2 owners had farms and lots of dogs/animals and I think my dog was moved on because he found it difficult. Anyone that passes a dog on will, I fear, not tell the whole truth but I agree with you, dogs come up to him and seem to want to be friends, but mine is just aggressive and bites and snaps. Maybe he had a trauma in a previous life which I can't blame him for and I want to give him a good life. I do keep him on a retractable lead if there are other dogs around (along with muzzle) but he still gets very agitated. If there are no other dogs, he trots right by my side. I could not bear to give him away and I think we will work it all out in time. I think this site is superb for advice and I very much appreciate yours! Experience counts for all...

CG

Yes you are right, people often do not tell the truth when wanting to re-home a dog. I think that this Border has fallen on his paws, with a devoted and dedicated owner like yourself, his moving days seem over. Good luck with him
Dawn.

Have you tried to lure him away when he starts and maybe tell him sshh. Liver cake is a good one very smelly they love it. He barks growls you tell me ssh but walk him away from the situation, as soon as he is quite tell him good boy sshh.
Worth a try

I will try anything! I always try and reward him when he is good. I honestly think perhaps I just have not had enough time with him. He hates it when I ignore him (for bad behaviour) and that might be my saviour. I'm not giving up, he's basically a good guy!!

Thanks Dawn, I love him to bits and could not desert him, despite his faults. I intend to try and change him and will let you know how I get on!