This article addresses serious behavioral issues in a one-year-old Old English Sheepdog (OES), including aggression towards children, nipping, and reactivity towards strangers. The owner, Connie, sought advice due to these concerning behaviors, which are contrary to the breed’s reputation for being good with children and other pets. The OES experienced a traumatic event at 10 weeks old, being attacked by another dog, which may have contributed to his subsequent fear and shyness. Despite recall training and basic obedience classes, the dog’s responsiveness remained inconsistent, often requiring treats as motivation. Neutering at seven months addressed humping behaviors, particularly towards the youngest child.
Understanding the OES’s Behavioral Issues
The primary concerns revolve around the OES’s aggressive displays, particularly towards the owner’s daughter. While initially appearing happy upon her return from school, the dog exhibits vicious growling and attempts to bite when she leaves or when interacting on furniture. These incidents have escalated, with the dog turning on the owner when she intervened. This aggression extends to biting and nipping at family members, and extreme barking and growling towards visitors and friends of the children. The owner resorts to physical restraint or crating to manage the dog, as voice commands and even treat-based training prove ineffective during these episodes.
The owner reports a discrepancy in perceived “alpha” status among trainers, with one suggesting the husband is the alpha while the owner, present during the day, is seen as the alpha by others due to her strictness. The dog’s behavior is described as manageable when family members are absent but becomes erratic and out-of-control upon their return. This includes sleeping outside the owner’s room and exhibiting anxiety when the family is in different “situations.” The dog’s reactivity to strangers is intense, requiring significant time to calm down, and quick movements or individuals entering/leaving the house can trigger renewed aggression. This behavior is particularly distressing given the family’s initial choice of an OES based on their perceived gentle nature.
Expert Recommendations and Next Steps
Given the severity and persistent nature of the aggression, rehoming is being considered. However, the owner also questions whether euthanasia might be a necessary consideration.
The complex behavioral issues presented by this Old English Sheepdog, including aggression, reactivity, and lack of responsiveness to training, warrant a comprehensive professional evaluation. The initial traumatic incident at a young age may have contributed to an underlying fear-based aggression that has since been exacerbated by inconsistent management and potentially a lack of clear, consistent leadership.
Immediate Steps:
- Consult a Certified Veterinary Behaviorist or Professional Dog Trainer Specializing in Aggression: This is the most critical step. A qualified professional can assess the dog’s specific triggers, temperament, and the underlying causes of his aggression. They can develop a tailored behavior modification plan. This plan will likely involve a combination of desensitization, counter-conditioning, and management strategies.
- Implement Strict Management: Until a professional can provide a clear plan, rigorous management is essential to prevent further incidents and ensure the safety of the family and visitors. This includes:
- Leashing: The dog should be on a leash at all times when family members or visitors are present, especially when the children are home.
- Crating: Use of a crate or a designated safe space when direct supervision is not possible or during times of high stimulation (e.g., when children arrive home).
- Muzzle Training: If aggression is a significant risk, muzzle training with positive reinforcement can be a vital safety tool during initial rehabilitation phases.
- Controlled Introductions: All interactions with children and visitors must be supervised and controlled.
Behavior Modification Strategies (to be guided by a professional):
- Addressing Fear and Reactivity: The dog’s past traumatic experience likely plays a role. Training should focus on building positive associations with triggers, such as children, visitors, and departure cues.
- Consistent Training and Leadership: While the owner describes being strict, consistency in commands and expectations across all family members is paramount. The “alpha” dynamic should focus on clear communication and fair leadership, not dominance.
- Treat-Based Training Re-evaluation: While treat-based training was attempted, its effectiveness was limited. A professional can help integrate positive reinforcement in a way that builds genuine responsiveness rather than reliance on immediate rewards. This may involve varying treat values and training techniques.
- Environmental Enrichment: Ensure the dog has sufficient physical and mental stimulation throughout the day to reduce pent-up energy that might contribute to his erratic behavior. This can include puzzle toys, appropriate chew items, and structured play sessions.
Regarding the Owner’s Questions:
- Rehoming: Rehoming an aggressive dog is extremely challenging and often not recommended without thorough behavioral assessment and a plan. Many potential adopters are unwilling or unable to take on such a dog. If rehoming is considered, it would need to be to a specialized rescue that can manage aggressive dogs, or to an individual with extensive experience in rehabilitating such cases, and full disclosure of the dog’s history is ethically mandatory.
- Euthanasia: Euthanasia is a last resort, typically considered when a dog poses an unmanageable risk to public safety, or when a behavior modification plan has failed or is not feasible, leading to a poor quality of life for the dog and persistent danger to others. A veterinary behaviorist’s assessment is crucial in making this difficult decision.
The situation requires immediate, expert intervention. The safety of the children and the well-being of the dog are paramount. The family should prioritize seeking professional guidance to navigate these complex behavioral challenges.
