1 Year Old Mini Aussie - Fearful, Irritated

by Lauren
(Ontario)

Paisley <3

I was just wondering if anyone has had the same issues as I am having with my 1 yr old female Mini Aussie. She is a great dog, perfect size, doesn't shed much, is very obedient.. I love her to death! However, she has never liked kids or strangers.

She has nipped at my little cousins before and I can tell when there is any children around her she just gets so nervous, she doesn't know what to do. And this really stresses me out, the last thing I want is her biting someone's child. Also, she has nipped at a couple of my family members and even close friends that are always around. She usually does this when she is either hot and tired, or she has a bone and they get too close to her. She has never drawn blood, I feel like it's just more of a warning that she is uncomfortable and to stay away.

My problem is I don't know how to react to her in these situations. I warn people about her, and I tell them when I think she's had enough and to leave her alone. But I don't want to always be worrying about this; especially because I plan on having kids sometime in the near future. As a young pup I socialized her very well, I'm not sure why she acts this way. Should I try and socialize her more with children and strangers? I know she's not a mean dog, she really isn't out to hurt anyone. I keep hoping that this is just a phase and she will grow out of it. Does anyone have any input or suggestions? Thx.

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