Expert: Anne Springer, B.S., Dip., CAPCT - 4/29/2010

Question
My Aussie is dog aggressive,since she was a pup.I want to trial her as she is really good,but worried she will go a dog.the aggression is more on lead then off,as she would run up to a dog off lead and bark aggressively then run back to me.she has been put in her place a couple of times.The breeder said that her mum was like that but not as bad.Hoping that when I desex her she will came down,was told it would is that so.I also try to redirect her behavior with click %26 treat,works better then physically stopping her..can you give me some advice please,at wits end love her so much...

Answer
I agree that you should find a good clicker trainer and work on this.  Spaying is not likely to help, as this behavior is probably more due to a lack of social skill, or to her herding instincts than to any real aggression.  Many Aussies are "reactive" and need extensive training to be more responsive to your requests.  Two most important skills to teach this dog will be "Come" and "Leave it".  If you don't have a clicker trainer nearby, check these out:
http://www.cleanrun.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=product.display&product_id=440
http://www.canineuniversity.com/articles/behavior/behave_12.html
http://www.amazon.com/Scaredy-Understanding-Rehabilitating-Your-Reactive/dp/0976...
www.clickerlessons.com