Aussie Puppy Showing Signs Of Aggression

by Hollie
(Michigan)

I have a female Australian Shepard that is now 5 months old. Her name is Lilly and she is so far the smartest dog we have ever owned and is beautiful. We just finished up Puppy Obedience's classes a week ago and she did very well, got along great with everyone and all the other dogs but in the last probably 3-4 weeks she's been showing signs of aggression towards my husband and myself.

Examples: if she's on the couch and we go to pet her she grows/snarles may show her teeth and sometimes will even nip. She gives you this even stare that really is unsetteling and even though she only weighs 32lbs right now let me tell her stare alone scares the crap out of ya with her crystal blue eyes. We love her to death and she's awesome with our other dog but I just don't know what to do. She nipped at my 6 yr old nephew last week and broke the skin. We now are scolding her when she does this removing her from where she's at and placing her in her crate in the kitchen area away from us and giving her a "time-out". We just started this today with the "time-out" but anyone have any other ideas? I've always been told how wonderful Aussies are and our other guy is great and she just concerns me. I don't want an aggressive dog! We won't give her up but I want to know what to do to correct this while she is still a pup.

Note from Anton: Lilly thinks she is in charge and is protecting her turf. She owns the couch. You have to deal with this as soon as possible as it is going to get worse. You will have to establish your leadership to get this situation under control. More Info on Australian Shepherd Aggression