Overwhelmed by Flea/Tick Infestations and Dog's Aggression - What to Do?

by Mike Stanz
(Bayside, NY, USA)

We have recently taken possession of my adult daughter's 2-year-old, neutered male Mini Aussie, "Blaze." My daughter works many hours, and the dog had been alone 8-10 hours per day in a NYC studio apartment. Realizing that this had been causing problems for the little guy, she has asked us to take over care of this loving but troubled dog.

We have a number of immediate questions.

First, we have an upstate NY vacation residence. The surrounding fields and forests are doubtless infested with disease-bearing fleasand ticks. After having read a considerable amount of information on preventative practices, it seems that the cure is not infrequently worse than the disease. Even products like Seresto and Frontline seem to have issues with toxicity and occasional catastrophic side effects. What is one to do to prevent flea/tick infestations?

Additionally, this dog seems to suffer from fear-based territorial aggression and will randomly attack guests in our home from time to time.

Currently, "Blaze" is living with me, my wife and other adult daughter. He is very affectionate, and we truly love this little guy but are overwhelmed as we have never owned a dog before. The issues of protecting his health and eliminating his unacceptable, potentially dangerous antisocial behavior are of immediate concern to us.

Any assistance you can provide would be immensely appreciated. Thanks.

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!