Our Aussie Is Starved For Affection And Timid

by Jodi
(Lafayette, Indiana)

We just got our Aussie. He is almost 2 years old. He has been living at a farm for his entire life, and has not been trained at all. He is very needy and pushy when it comes to affection. We love it that he's so affectionate, but I believe he's doing this out of a form of being scared and trying to show dominance. (He pushes himself onto our laps even after saying no.) I've been working with him about letting me go through any entranceway first and I also do not feed him until after we have eaten, or we have went for a walk, or maybe played ball. He's not picking up on the dominance issue. (Still dominates my husband and any visitors but in a very timid way.) Any suggestions? I want him to be happy and not scared and confused!
Thank you!

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Aussie Behavior Problems? Australian Shepherd Lover's Guide To Australian Shepherd Training & Care