Australian Shepherd Aggression With New People

by Annie
(Cabot Vt)

Hi I have an 8 month Aussie. His name is Jasper. For the most part I’d say he is very well trained for his age. We are getting ready to enter agility classes, and he already gets lots of play and exercise. Jasper is a very loyal, loving, active dog.

At home alone with the family he is very well mannered. However when people he doesn’t know show up he is overly portative, he needs to be kenneled and see that the new person in the house is not an ex murder before I can let him out and he settles down.

To help socialize him right from puppyhood we have been bring him for walks in well populated places and stores that allow it. At these times he is a perfect gentlemen, who meets new people and pets very well. He often goes with us to friend’s house, who have other children and dogs. He is always great at these times.

It is only when new people come to our home that he is aggressive. How should I handle this aggression? At any other time he is a great dog, but at these times he doesn’t listen me at all.

Other than kenneling him anything I could do to control him isn’t ethical.

Have Dog Training Questions?

Check out these introductory dog training videos...

I want my dog to stop being aggressive.

I want some help training my new puppy.

I want my dog to stop barking at everything.

I want my dog to walk nicely and calmly on the leash.

I want my dog to listen and come every time I call!