Aggressive 5 Month Old Aussie Shepherd To My 10 Month Old Child

by Cathryn
(Brisbane, Australia)

I was wondering if you might be able to offer me some advice on Andy. All of a sudden he is acting and behaving very aggressively towards my 10 month old. When in his crate if she approaches he snarls and if she touches his crate he tries to bite her (not only was he snarling but yawning , licking his mouth, whites of eyes etc showing) this has happening a few times. Which brings me to his normal 7 pm training session in our loungeroom at night.

Scott was in the hall training him, as he put him into a drop my 10 month old touched his leg he swung around and snarled at her. Scott called him away, I went to pick up the baby and he turned and bit her. As you can probably tell this concerns me greatly and if we can't come up with a resolution Andy will need rehoming.

We are of the opinion we are doing everything right. We train, we stimulate, exercise, love this dog to bits, and there's nothing we can put our finger on for this sudden change in behaviour. He's becoming quite bossy and assertive (which I am aware are breed standards) and I have been asserting my pack dominance. Please if there is any advice you can give this would greatly be appreciated. If we can't come to a resolution we will be rehoming Andy so as not to further risk my child's safety.