I blew it and got bitten.

We had an incident with Barney this morning.

He had a tick on his head which I was trying to remove and OH tried to help and Barney just suddenly went into a frenzy.

He bit me three times. The third time hanging on and shaking my arm and I had to kick him off. He has punctured the skin and bruised me and my wrist is quite swollen. With hindsight it was a stupid thing to do considering his background.

Has anyone any experience of a collie like this? If he gets stressed he repeatedly bites despite me backing off and giving him space.

I also think it is redirected aggression as I just happen to be in the firing line. And there is no warning growl or snap he just went in at the deep end.

I have no advice I'm afraid but I hope you heal quickly.

Oh I am sorry, that must have been scary for you

I think the best advice is to get some really good help cos this is quite a big problem

of course making sure he feels safe and never feels he has to go off like that, but it is bl00dy difficult

Thanks it was a bit alarming.

I am pretty careful mostly but obviously wasn't careful enough.

We all make mistakes (looking at a scar on my arm from Mia (and that was me being stupid enough to get my arm infront of her mouth when she was crated in the car and a GSD stuck her head in the crate and Mia had a meltdown - I was so lucky she realised it was my arm in her mouth!))

It's impossible to give advice without seeing the dog when there is an aggression problem.

However, one thing I would strongly suggest is that you get him used to a muzzle for when you have to examine him or for things like tick removal.

Always keep yourself as safe as possible.

I'd also have a doctor look at that wound if you haven't already. It's quite likely that you'll need antibiotics if the skin was broken.

Thanks, yes I agree I will need to get him used to a muzzle.

I haven't made a gp appt. Better do.

Ow! I hope you are feeling a little better now. You must go and get a tetanuse and antibiotics asap. Make sure the wound is well washed out.
Most flea spot-ons will make a tick drop off btw.

I am sorry, I don't know Barney's background?

I agree with Brierley's advice in the first instance. Always use a muzzle when there is a chance that Barney is going to take exception to you handling him.

Then I would look at getting in a reputable and experienced behaviourist, who has dealt with aggression issues before.

Good luck. It does sound very frightening.

Entirely agree and as this dog has multiple behavioural issues I would seriously consider whether you are best placed to help him.