Please help. I cannot understand why our 5 month old bearded collie pup growls at my 13 year old daughter. It isn t all the time, just on occasions . We initially thought it was when she was protecting food but this morning the pup was in the kitchen with my husband when my daughter came in. The pup took up a very aggressive position and growled at her. There is no problem with anyone else in the house, including my older son.
Please advise how I should deal with the dog when she behaves like this before it gets out of hand.

I would firstly get the pup to a vet for a check over, and then enlist the help of a qualified behaviourist (perhaps a vet referral?). I think this is too tricky a problem to deal with on an internet forum, it really needs someone to assess the dogs body language relating to your daughter, in your home. Perhaps someone on here can recommend where to look for a good one or advise on getting your vet to refer you - its not something I have done. Also might be worth keeping a diary of when he does it and how you react to it in the lead up to talking to someone qualified - he is only 5 months and sounds to me like he is pushing his luck - but it really needs addressing properly to stop it IMO :)

I have Beardies and this isn't usual behaviour in my experience. Vet is a good idea but maybe if I knew where you are I could ask on one of the Beardie lists for trainers/behaviourists near you experienced in the breed.

Also have you spoken to your pups breeder?

Anne

thanks Anne I am in the north east, Do you know what causes them to behave like this?

I agree with Chloe's and Anne's advice. One thing I wondered was if your dog has any working beardie in him? Anne may know more, but i understand they are far more no-nonsense and strong minded than the others. A reputable behaviourist is still the best way to go, because aggression towards children does need to be worked with hands on, and a full case history etc. taken. A medical check up is advisable, and then the vet should be able to refer you.

If you look at www.ukrcb.co.uk, and www.apbc.org.uk, you will find some more info :)

Lindsay
x

Thanks for all your advice so far, yes she is working beardie, she  is doing really well at training and socialisation classes with no signs of aggression anywhere else.
As I said, it isn t constant aggression, she is fine sometimes, but it is unexplained when it happens

Right Stidd if she is working lines it's even more important to get it sorted out as soon as possible but you also need someone who really knows what they are doing. Working Beardies are smashing but do need a lot of mental stimulation as well as exercise.

I have a rescue boy from working lines who growls but since he came with the problem it's difficult to sort out as it is obviously related to events in his past. I've had him 18 months now and he's the light of my life but he has been hard going. I do clicker training and teach him heelwork to music moves as well as hiding his ball basically anything to make him think so he doesn't have time or energy to get into mischief.

I don't want to give advice as a) I haven't seen him and b) I'm not nearly experienced enough but I love the breed and hate to see them get themselves into bother.

May I contact someone who clicker trains and has had Beardies for many years as well as being a member of various organisations APDT and UKRCB. She's too far away but might be able to suggest someone nearer to you. If you are happy for me to do this you can send me a private message as I'd need to know a bit more specifically where you live and you may not want to put that on here. I don't mean I want your actual address just town will do

Anne
Whoops forgot to ask have you mentioned this problem to the trainers at the class you go to?

Thanks Anne, I am new to the site and will try to work out how to PM you sometime today as it isnt obvious how to do it!
She is due her 6 month check at the vets soon and I will also mention it at her class on monday.
She is a fantastic dog, full of character , really appreciate your help

What is your daughters relationship and interaction like with the dog.

Having a 14 year old son and nearly 18 year old daughter I ahve foudn that their inconsistent behviour can unsettle dogs.  One minute they find the dogs fun, next they ar uncool and getting har on their clothes.

How does she act around the dog, do other dogs like ehr, does she have a natural way with them or not?

How to send a PM
To PM someone you clicK on their user name at the top of their post which takes you to their profile then click on message at the top right hand side of screen and it opens a page like the one you post on but it comes to me only.

I've sent this via PM as well look at the top right of the CD screen which will tell you when it arrives. Click on Messages and it'll take you to your message box where clicking on title of the message will open it. Click on reply at top right to reply :D

Anne

Hi Anne
Did try to PM you in reply yesterday with my deytails but not sure if it cam through to you?

No Stidd didn't get it. Email me on AnneCavaDog@blueyonder.co.uk

Anne

You might have something there Brainless, I will watch over the next few days to see if I can identify any sort of pattern
Many thanks

Stidd
Have PM'd you