Elaine, here is the link for the classes. They are not puppy classes but have dogs of all ages in them. You don't have to pay for a block of lessons, you just pay for the classes you can attend.The socialisation aspect there is fab as they learn to walk past and around other dogs etc....

http://www.delameredogtraining.co.uk/Classes.asp

Brilliant Elaine,I am sure the classes will help him.

As others have said you really need someone to see what's happening.
Is she fearful when you're out? Chip was lunging at cars, bikes etc. and I've teaching him to walk behind me. He's never been aggressive so maybe not the same problem. It has helped Chip and it makes me feel much more in control so it shouldn't hurt to try.
You hold the lead behind your back and if she comes forward put your leg out to block her, pause and turn to look at her for a moment but keep your body turned forwards. The idea is that it keeps you in the leaders position and so she should feel more secure and leave you to deal with whatever/whoever you meet. You also have to keep as relaxed as possible. Easier said than done.
I hope you get some reliable help.

Thanks Janice, will give that a try!!
Elaine x

Hi sorry to hear you are having problems.

Anyone can set themselves up as a behaviourist, and although there are a few good ones who are not members of any particular organisation, I'd suggest trying someone from here:

http://www.apbc.org.uk/

or possibly here, http://www.apdt.co.uk/

although most of these are trainers, but some may have a behavioural interest. They must be really up to date though and be sure of what they are doing so vet anyone and ask whether they've helped in this sort of situation before. Even within organisations, some will be better and more knowledgeable than others.
As Helena suggested they should be suggesting desensitisation methods and counterconditioning plus possibly a vet check to see if anything physical is causing the behaviour

Desensitisation is the way to go but my view is that unless you invest in some good books to help you, it is better to get professional help because you need to understand things like the "critical distance" and so on....no-one would expect most pet dog owners to know anything about this, after all, but the professionals should

I like to recommend James O Heare's The Dog Aggression Workbook http://www.crosskeysbooks.com/produc...roducts_id=679 and it should also give you an idea of the sort of thingsa good behaviourist might suggest.

Hth a bit and good luck. You may also find this site useful regarding the chasing - I went to his seminar which was excellent:
http://www.dog-secrets.co.uk/behavio...g-chasing.html

Wys
x

Is she insured? Have a look at your policy you may be covered for behavioural work if you are refered by a vet as I am often paid that way. Has she had a health check recently their are medical conditions and pain can affect behaviour, if she has got worse suddenly its worth checking this out and getting a behavioural referal if she is in good health. Your vet should also have a list of approved behaviourists and those that specialise in different things.
Good luck.

Yea she is insured but as I said earlier the policy says, illness based therapies including behavioural due to illness
She is at the vets this week for her chip,so will ask him
Thanks
Elaine x

Just checked out those links very interesting and the book looks really good. the Dog secrets site is full of good stuff too!
Thanks a lot
Elaine x

So sorry to hear you are having such problems with Poppy, Elaine When did the problems start happening? Has she always been a little nervy or sensitive? Is she getting enough exercise and mental stimulation?

I would try the dog training club that Fudgeley has suggested before forking out for a behaviourist. Most decent dog trainers will have experience and advice regarding fear aggression and many problems like this can be overcome with training and extra socialisation.

If you find that training isn't enough then you can contact Barbara Sykes (she is at Bingley in West Yorkshire)and organise to go over and let her view Poppy. She is very experienced with Border Collies and in dealing with aggression issues.

Her website is : http://www.bordercollies.co.uk/

I would also speak with your insurance company and ask whether they will cover a behaviourist if your vet recommends it.

Please try not to let it get you down. I am sure the problems can be overcome and managed with the right approach.

Yep, Bryan is the same when he gets into the 'zone'.

I'm so sorry to hear this. Hugs first of all.

I know an excellent behaviourist.
I don't however know if she covers as far as Runcorn but she may well do.
She is utterly fantastic. I shall PM you, please do not go down the Barkbusters route....I shall PM you....

I have to say if Poppy has nipped 2 people I do think you need to go down the behaviourist route sooner rather than later, if the cyclist hadn't been as okay about it as he was, you could be typing a very different sort of post.
I don't want to be alarmist but if he was a child and she 'nipped' the parents may not differentiate between a nip and a bite.
It may also be that she is so hyped and nervy at the moment that classes could be too much for her.

I shall PM you the link to the behaviourist, if nothing else you could phone her for a chat.

I know how you must be feeling right now...but you will get it sorted, these things just take time and she is becoming teenage right now.

Has she been speyed yet?