My 7-month-old Aussie doodle will not stop barking at me and biting me; I can be playing with him for one minute and then he attacks me. We can go for a walk and he will attack me. I never struck or physically hurt my dog. Could someone please help?
We need a lot more information.
What do you do when the dog bites?
What was the dog’s body language like before and during the bite?
When you say “attack,” what do you mean? Is it a fun bark with bared teeth, or is it snarling and closing its jaws around you?
Is the dog drawing blood?
The dog will be all cheerful and playing then the next minute he snaps; it is not a playful bark and the bit is full force, drawing blood.
I’m not a professional, but if you’re able to, take your dog to the vet; they could be in agony! If they are happy one minute and snap the next, it could be a symptom of many things, however going to the vet could rule out joint problems or anything similar
Barking is not typical by any means, although biting can be if it is a minor nibbling. That is how they got the sheep to line up or go where they were supposed to go. It could be an instinct that has yet to be corrected. Regardless, the barking suggests that something else is going on.
My SIL’s collie like nipping me on the buttocks.
You are being herded
Yes! It’s adorable, but it aches! He also enjoys stealing things from people’s pockets. He snatched the poop bag and asked, “Wait, where’s the treat?” I then tied it around his collar. He also performs bows after doing these things.
To be helpful, we’d need far more information than this: what does the barking look like, is it frustrated / aggressive / territorial / alert barking, what type of biting, is he exhibiting other aggressive behaviors, is his body language hostile or playful, and what potential triggers are there.
Given the gravity of the behavior and the fact that it is occurring in multiple contexts, I believe requesting a referral to a behaviorist is your best line of action here.
The barking is aggressive, the bites show blood and serious bruises. His body language is hostile and we have no idea what would cause this
It’s not unusual, especially if they’re still teething or are really active.
It may be too late to teach acquired biting inhibition (google it), but try. This is how they learn to use their mouths carefully.
The other option is to redirect to a tug toy. Meet there; at first, you’ll have to grab the toy with your other hand while convincing the dog to play with it. Then you’ll have a dog that uses its mouth yet remembers to retrieve the toy when instructed. Finally, you’ll have a dog who goes in search of the toy whenever they feel the urge to bite. It can take several months.
I have tried this for a number of months, and it works for a few minutes before snapping back.