Help! Agressive Australian Shepherd

I have a 6 month old Australian Shepherd who has been a pain. She's a sweetheart sometimes but other times I don't know what to do. This is my first dog, and that was probably my first mistake. But she's aggressive to people and barks at dogs (she doesn't bite or snarl at dogs, just people). I'm extremely worried. I really want to get some professional help with a behaviorist, but my parents think that this is something that'll be fixed. They think that we can fix this ourselves. I know we can't because they scream at the dog when she bites someone and sometimes even drag her into the bathroom. I try to stop and say that it's just making it worse, but then they yell at me that I'm not trying to make it better. In reality, I've been extremely stressed out everyday. I really don't know what it is, because I got my puppy from a breeder who is a family friend and I trust that there aren't any issues. She still loves to play with dogs and once she gets used to people, she'll be fine. Some people I know who've had at least 3 dogs say that it's just her being a puppy and she'll grow out of it, but I don't know if it's more than that. Also, my neighbors think that she's "protecting" me when she barks. What should I do?

Talk to her breeder, you say they're a family friend, they know the breed so talk to them and get their advice before your dog gets worse. Frankly your parents are not helping, I'd be inclined to bite them myself. You can't just ignore issues with pups thinking they'll grow out of it as they probably won't and it will become ingrained.

it sounds like not only does the dog want training but yourself as well on how to handle dogs. For example how many people you know have told you a lot is in the voice? No good saying " sit down your norty doggie" in a sweet voice. You need to tell firmly with one word a command each and every time and praise when does it.
Simple rules to learn can make life so much easier which is why you need to go to a training class.
Remember a good instructor will demonstrate with their own dog not yours. That way the dog will learn to obey you not the instructor

It sounds like you have a fear aggressive reactive dog.

It would be a good idea if you consulted a qualified behaviourist to assess your dog and give you a behaviour modification plan to follow.
Avoid any one who follows Cesar Millan and mentions dominance .

Sounds like your dog is going through adolescence, and I guess you mean your dog is nipping people rather than biting?

Agree with much of what has been said:

- Contact your breeder first - they will know the breed and give you insights that should help
- Enrol in puppy training classes - 6 months is the perfect age
- Continue to train your dog - lack of training will end in tears
- Avoid anything by Cesar Millan, aka the dog kicker!

Hi Angela

Your parents are wrong to manhandle and punish the dog. Your dog will just become afraid, confused and more anxious. Has he been to puppy classes to be socialised? If not find a class as soon as possible and join it.

I put this up yesterday for a troublesome GSD but I think it also applies in your case.

Regarding her fear of people you need to turn the scary situation into a positive situation. This is known as BAT training (Behavioral Adjustment Training).

It goes like this. Use a special phrase when a strange person appears in front of you and give a treat. Lets call it "treat time" which you say in a fun encouraging way.
You always use the ‘treat time’ phrase whenever your dog looks at a person and should always be followed by the treat. At first it may be necessary to change direction to avoid the stranger, but with persistence you will build up an association of "strange person means treats" and you can then get a little bit closer each time. It might take a months of doing this every day, but eventually your dog will become more relaxed and you in turn will become more relaxed.

Please also avoid any confrontational interaction with her, so do not shout at her as this will only increase her anxiety. Keep calm and assertive, use a voice that a teacher would use to a class of children. Does she get excited when the door bell goes or the post man delivers letters? If so try avoiding action, maybe fit an outside letter box so the "bad person" stops coming.
You have to lower her anxiety level and be consistent with positive reward.

Thanks! I've been working on it! I think it's really helping