Fearful/Aggresive Aussie Puppy

by Rachel
(WA)

Hi, I have a 9 month old female Toy Australian Shepherd who is very fearful of strangers. We got her when she was 2 and a half months old and tried to socialize her. But for the last few months she has started barking/growling at anyone who comes to the house. She then runs and hides under the bed. She also is very afraid of my dad, even after living with him for 6 months, he has never even touched her. She also aggressively barks and tries to lunge at dogs when ever she sees them on walks or when were out and about.

Recently, I have been bring her to dog 4-H meetings in hope of helping her to become more socialized, but she becomes extremely fearful and continuously barks and lunges at any dogs or people who come near. I really want to take care of these behavioral problems before she gets any older and it's an even bigger problem such as biting people. I really want to be able to do agility, obedience, and showmanship with her.

Please Help

- Rachel