Aussies may become frightened or aggressive when they encounter unexpected people or animals if they are not properly socialized. Australian Shepherds require training as well. Because these dogs are bright and eager to please, they are typically simple to teach.
The most common causes include conflict aggression, fear-based, defensive aggression, status related aggression, possessive aggression, food guarding aggression and redirected aggression.
Rage syndrome is a rare seizure disorder in dogs, characterized by explosive aggression. Rage syndrome. Other names. A22, episodic dyscontrol, stimulus-responsive psychomotor epilepsy, Mental lapse aggression syndrome. The Malinois was the first breed to have a specific genetic polymorphism linked to rage syndrome.
The trick is training your dog correctly so that they follow your direction even when faced with an uncertain situation. Plenty of socialization, ideally from a young age, exercise, and mental stimulation on a daily basis are also key to avoiding the possibility of aggressive behavior from your Aussie.
There are a variety of reasons dogs may show sudden aggression towards each other. Some of the most common causes of conflict between familiar dogs include frustration, illness, and resource guarding. You'll need to clearly identify the root of the problem to restore household harmony.
Discipline, Don't Punish.
Australian Shepherds don't know “not” to do something. They learn the result of doing. If they do something and the result is positive (a treat, a belly rub etc) the pup will quickly learn to continue the behavior. The opposite effect is true if they do not receive the reward.
Dogs will give a warning growl in situations involving things like resource guarding, stranger danger, feeling cornered, or feeling stressed. Dogs use these warning growls to communicate to you or another animal to “back off” because they are uncomfortable.
a behavior plan that may include training (of the dog and owner), regular exercise for the dog, planned socialization depending on the behavior, and perhaps most critical, a behavior plan including counter-conditioning and desensitization. The dog will be taught behaviors that are incompatible to aggression.
This is one step that many people don't think about, but pain or feeling unwell can be a common reason for the sudden onset of aggressive behavior. Even if there are no medical issues causing the sudden aggression, behavioral meds (available through your vet) may represent a treatment option.
The behavior associated with Rage Syndrome includes outbursts of aggression that are intense and at times unpredictable. These episodes also tend to be large dramatic responses relative to a seemingly benign situation. Affected dogs often freeze, stare, and may rapidly escalate to biting.
However, there's no guarantee that an aggressive dog can be completely cured. In many cases, the only solution is to manage the problem by limiting a dog's exposure to the situations, people or things that trigger her aggression. There's always risk when dealing with an aggressive dog.
Growls, barks, snarls, snaps or lunges at people on walks. Shows aggression toward visitors to your home. Shows aggressive behaviors in your back yard, including aggression toward children or adults on the other side of the fence or the meter reader. Has killed one or more cats.
No scolding, no yelling, and no physical punishment. Gently take hold of her collar, lead her to a quiet room away from the action, and leave her there with a bowl of water and a chew toy.
For this reason, I advise all my clients and students that it is NEVER wise to punish a dog for growling, even by saying “No.” Dogs that are repeatedly punished for growling eventually may not give a warning and immediately escalate to biting.
“When a dog bumps or nudges you with their nose, it is usually because they want your attention or they want something from you.” Your dog probably learned to bump you with his nose. If you pet him every time he nudges you, he'll learn that it's an effective way to get your attention.
In addition to vocalizing pain, dogs also growl as their means to scare away people or animals when they feel anxious or fearful. Your dog's tense demeanor every time you pick him up might stem from a traumatic event. For example, you or other members of the family might have lost grip while holding the dog.
Most Australian Shepherds should begin calming down at two years of age. At this point, they're considered mature dogs who can better regulate their energy. That said, not all Aussies will tone it down at this age. It may take them reaching seniority for their energy to drop off.
#7 Australian Shepherd
A dog with energy to spare, the Australian Shepherd has both the stamina and smarts to excel at off-leash activities.
The Aussie's desire to cuddle
Dogs in general are known for being happy, cuddly, sweet, and soothing for a human to pet. Some breeds are, by nature, more affectionate than others. While the Aussie will typically reserve cuddling for one person or a group of trusted people, sometimes he won't want to cuddle at all.
Instead of screaming, or yelling at the dog, speak to him in a soothing tone as you slowly back away. Don't make direct eye contact. Staring in the eyes of an aggressive dog may prompt him to attack. If the dog gets too close or lunges at you, place a jacket, handbag or backpack, etc., between you and the dog.
There are usually multiple factors at the root of leash aggression. Dogs who are anxious or overly territorial are more prone to it. Lack of proper socialization as a puppy can contribute to the unwanted behavior because your dog never learned how to say a proper “hello” to his four-legged friends.