Posted by Imogen on February 27, 2009, 8:26 am, in reply to "Re: Nervous rescue dog"
Hello Claire,
I think Doreen is right about all this. Also, you might find that your collie cross needs a job to do. When the bike appears she is totally focussed on it at the moment. If she has a job (a ball to fetch, something to carry, etc) her focus will change. As you are the instigator of the job, the focus can become you, and you can gain more control. So, get a ball and see how she responds to fetch games. If (as a lot of collie types are) she becomes really fixed on it, you have your answer.
Your dog is not being aggressive because she's aggressive - she's frightened, and dogs who are frightened only have one option until you give them another - keep away messages.
Also, make sure you are not tensing up when you see a bike coming - dogs are very sensitive - esp. collie types, and will read your tension before you are aware of it - then you become part of the problem rather than the solution!
Good luck, and do continue to be patient..
Imogen
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