ANSWER: The Labrador is generally an
affectionate dog even with strangers. Only occasionally do you see
aggressive tendencies in this breed. Almost always it is from either a
poor cross between the parent dogs (genetics at play here as in never
breeding two dominant type Labradors to each other). Or lack of
exercise and lack of Basic Obedience Training. They
are known to bark deeply at strangers they are unsure of and even hold
their ground but no actual snarling or actual attacking.
The Border Collie leads on the list of
Intelligence in Dog Breeds. It is this extreme intelligence that
gets Border Collies in trouble. Also they are a working breed who
MUST HAVE something to do every day to prevent Boredom. They also
require Advanced Basic
Obedience Training to be
happy, well socialized companions.
On top of that they need exercise, then
more exercise, then add some more. This exercise must be daily and
coupled with both play time with their master and TRAINING time with
their master. Again daily.
Both these particular breeds (not all
breeds are the same) mature both Physically but most important
Mentally at about 16+ months old. In both breeds, Aberrant
Behavior first rears its head from approx. -9 to 11 months old.
NOTE: If your saying that he
has had dominance problems since a puppy as in 3,4,5 months old,
then It Is usually Hereditary coupled with uncertainty if he is
doing the right thing expected of him?
If it started more in the time frame of
-9 months onwards, then it is lack of Basic Obedience Training and
Respect for humans.
Regardless he needs to attend "Basic
Obedience Training Classes". Not only is the dog learning to
RESPECT his masters commands (the dog Loves you, just does not
RESPECT you), the best part of such classes the owners are learning
When and How to correctly Discipline a dog and
When and How to correctly Reward a dog.
What is learned in class must be
continued at home daily coupled with enough stimulating exercise.
If a dog is so out of control that it
must be put outside or in a kennel then that dog IS NOT respecting
it's masters commands to behave properly.
If not neutered, do so immediately.
Expect up to 60+ days at 2 years old before the aggressive
tendencies caused by testosterone leave the dogs muscle tissue and
body organs where it is stored.
For starters, when someone comes to the
door, he should have a leash on. He should be made to Sit, Stay
beside you and not so much as wrinkle his lips, let alone growl.
This dog needs to learn his behavior is unacceptable and putting him
outside or in a kennel or where ever is not teaching the dog
anything at all. TIME OUTS may work for children but do not work
for Dogs.
Only through you learning how to Teach
him and him learning that you won't put up with this nonsense from
him will he stop.
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Remember the big 4 when training
all animals. Patience, Kindness, Consistency and Repetition. All 4
combined never fails to work.