Mini Aussie In Brooklyn, NY - Nips At People On The Street! City Dog Problem!

Scratching an itch

I adopted my Mini Aussie from a rescue group when he was a little over 2 years of age -- almost a year ago. He came from Maine. I live in Brooklyn, NY. For any of you out there with Mini / Aussies in the city, you know there can be a lot of people traffic.

My problem is that my dog nips at people passing by on our walks. I've tried to understand his behavior and triggers, but it really totally varies. Some walks, he doesn't nip at all! Some weeks he's totally fine.

While I try to keep him close on his leash when people walk by, it's hard to be focused on this the entire course of a walk. (And yes, even when he's well exercised, he does it).

It's very herder like and playful, but of course I'm worried it could get worse. Plus, people on the street are always offended and scolding as expected.

And he started up again today worse than ever, and after each person he nipped, he kept looking back at me and smiling (yep, he's a smiley dog).

He generally goes for the hands or thighs of passerbys.

Does anybody else have this issue with Aussies as city dogs? And how have you resolved it?

I thought he'd grow out of this behavior by now since I've had him for nearly a year.

To my knowledge, he was not abused beforehand -- but he was given away in part, because he'd nip at toddler's friends who visited the household.

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