dog aggression

[06canyon]

I'm sure this has been posted before but I could not find it and my eyes are staring to cross.
Nelly, the new addition to the family is showing signs of aggression. big ones. Outside she is good with people, basically ignores them. When I'm outside the fangs come out and the growl is quite loud. you can feel the vibration in the collar. She is trying to lunge at people, primarily men. Even her dog friend gets this reaction when I'm outside. She is getting a good solid 4 hours of exercise a day. more on the weekends. I'm starting to worry that she will attack someone. I'm working on calling her to me random, and telling her to lie down. I've only had her a couple of weeks and she seems to be firmly bonded and I am pack leader. does anyone have any suggestions for me? She listens quite well and picks up new commands quickly.

[Ford Girl]

Hey there...Nellys a border collie GSD cross? Great breeds.

My first thought - they are both smart, guarding, working breeds. Those instincts are very strong in these breeds. Both thrive off of jobs, structure and the ability of the owner to give commands and routine.

What kind of exercise does she get?

What other members are in her new pack? Do you have a spouse, kids? Neighbors, close friends? Anyone else who has an influence on training?

How does she walk on leash? Does she pull, lead, walk nicely?

Regardless of the answers you give above you should enroll in an obedience class, not only does it provide all of the things the dog thrives on it, it will give you tools to help you control this behavior, to ensure your reaction is appropriate. It's good to get working at it as soon as possible.

Keep us posted, there are a few of us here that deal with aggression in one form or another.

[luckypenny]

Do you know anything about her history?

One of our dogs can be extremely aggressive as well, especially towards strangers and other dogs. I strongly recommend you work with an experienced behaviorist that specializes in aggression and that uses positive-based methods only. It's going to take a while, and tonnes of work and patience, but it really ought to make a difference.

A professional needs to assess your specific dog and her behaviors to better help tailor exercises that will meet both your needs.

If you need help finding a behaviorist in your area, just ask.

[06canyon]

thanks. she started out as a rescue from a reservation north of Edmonton, quite young so I don't think that that has anything to do with it. The previous owners warned me that she was not good with men (understatement). She is behaving as if someone has hit her before. for example, if I raise my hand, she will duck away. I don't do this with the intention of hitting her.
her exercise is playing fetch so she is at a flat run and I'm stiff from throwing. she is learning to walk on the leash and to heel. Will a behavioral specialist wok with a dog that is this aggressive

[Ford Girl]

For sure a behaviorlist will work with your dog, I would call around, and get references, ask about their methods, talk to your vet, talk to the shelter you got her from...there is hope!!