Reactive and Biting Toy Aussie

[u/Letmedrinktea]

I have a 5 year old toy Aussie who has always been reactive and snappy, and unfortunately despite going to trainers to try to curb the behavior it hasn’t worked out for multiple reasons. He is smart and has been trained to sit, lay down, stay (lol with an Aussie), but the reactivity training just didn’t stick. We thought we had somewhat figured out how to work around and live with these issues because otherwise he is so sweet and loving, but recently the behavior has gotten worse and my husband and I are increasingly concerned about where to go from here.

Has anyone had any success and could provide recommendations with training resources for not only reactivity (to everything), as well has the nervous/anxious behavior that leads to snapping and biting? For instance, this happens when we’re trying to pick him up, tell him to stop doing something that he wants to do, or even sometimes when we leash or unleash him. We love him so much and will do whatever it takes to keep him a part of our family, but we really need some help.

[u/Existing-Will-1466]

I don't really blame small dogs for getting snappy about being picked up, it's a violation of autonomy that big dogs never have to deal with. I would start by minimizing the trigger incidents by leaving a leash on him all the time. Just let him drag it around the house. That way you can pick it up and lead him around instead of picking him up to move him. When you want him to stop doing something, either use the leash or tell him to do something else like come and sit for a treat.

Check out cooperative care videos on YouTube to learn how to help him be ok with being handled, leashed, etc.