Hey guys,
Belle is getting along slightly better with the cattle dog however we now have a new problem.
Every time we go to the dog park she is happy to play with all the dogs the same size as her or bigger and has a great time but as soon as a little dog comes along she goes off at it. She will sniff it first but then she growls and jumps on it and they get in a big messy grumble. I haven't actually seen her bite another dog but the owners always get (understandably) angry and I am beginning to hate the dog park.
Also she still barks at strange men, especially on the street when we're on walks. I have tried distracting her with food and toys, telling her to ignore it and getting strangers to pat her. She is very very shy when she first approaches them (ears and head low, tail between legs, rolling over and crouching) no matter how many times I get people to pat her.
She has been socialized and she's not like this at dog trials as much but just on walks and in the park.
I am wondering if maybe the koolie's naturally wary nature doesn't fit in so well int he suburbs?
My family is getting more and more frustrated with belle (and me) so any help would be much appreciated. And please don't suggest I get a behaviorist in because I cannot afford it.
Thanks, Niki

My dog Izzy (kelpie x) sounds very similar particularly with strange folk approaching her. I usually get her to sit and she tends to lean on me for reassurance. But the same response as Belle when people approach her, I usually suggest to the people to wait for her to approach them as she doesn't feel as threatened and give them a treat so when she does she gets a reward. But Izzy doesn't bark though, maybe just turn suddenly and walk away and when she settles, turn back if she starts again repeat the action?

Is the other dogs usually hyper and in her face at all? Is it different little dogs or the same ones? It is a bit of minefield trying to figure out what is in her mindset and I can imagine how frustrating it must be.

I am not an expert. But I know that Izzy uses me as reinforcement if she is on leash around other dogs. Hopefully others will have better suggestions to help.

Hi Niki
Sorry to hear you're having some problems with Belle again. Dog parks can be hell for some dogs. Paxy has trouble with the large packs that happen in the park in the mornings, so we avoid the parks then. She's intimidated by being rushed by a large number of dogs - usually labs. But she loves people and greats all as if they're her long lost friend. Giving advice on the net is hard without seeing her reactions. Has she always been like this or is this a new thing?? Same question with the small dogs - always been like this?

She may be reacting to being on lead with the strangers, some dogs become more switched on when on lead for some reason. Do you go to the same park, take the same route all the time? Some of the reaction could be situational - she's learnt to react in a particular manner in a particular situation. But I'm sorry this is all speculation on my part! So many variables!

Is she not interested in the food - more focussed on the stranger?? Sorry about the questions - it'll help us all get a better idea.

Thanks for the response, we don't always go to the same dog parks its usually 2 and she will get silly with little dogs if theres only one or if theres 5 it doesnt seem to make a difference. She did it once or twice before but now its pretty much with ever little dog. The barking at people is on our walks around the block, it tends to be the first few people she sees, after she's seen a few she doesn't do it anymore but she still does it every day even though we walk her every day.
She's also getting on everyone's nerves at home, she's bossing around the staffy so much that he seems to be getting a bit suppressed which really upsets me because he is such an awesome dog and always had such a great personality and now he's getting getting very quiet because she's so overwhelming.
She also doesnt seem to enjoy agility that much, I have tried the ball, tugs and treats but she's so slow and has no drive at all during agility, however if we're just playing fetch she's like a bullet. I never had this problem with pepe. I am finding that training her is very frustrating and I am seriously considering rehoming her still because I think she really is more trouble than its worth. The only time she really fits into the family is during the afternoon/night when she's very cuddly and sooky. I had a lot of trouble getting any interest in her before though and I do not want her to end up in a rescue for months on end so I don't know what to do.
Sorry for the essay.
Niki

Does she seem to prefer to be one on one with you (or any other family member) than with the other dogs at home? Does she show this behaviour with anyone that walks her or just say yourself?

no she loves being with the other dogs, especially at home, she always bugs them to play with her and if we are on a walk she keeps biting the staffy on the back and neck, not painfully but annoying for him. she does this especially when they are both offlead in the forest for a run, but it seems like she is rounding him up then and now he refuses to run because it annoys him.

She does the fighting at the park with anyone who walks her. she went on holidays with mum and dad a while ago and fought with a dog there too.

Hi guys,
I thought i'd let you know that belle has a new home on a 12 acre property with a retired couple where she can run around and chase wallabies with her new doggy friends :)
niki

That is great news Niki. Sometimes the best thing for the dog is to let them go. Sure going to miss the pictures of Belle though.

Good news Niki! You've done the right thing by Belle, it can't have been easy to give her up when you had such hopes for her when you first got her. I'm sure she'll have a ball on 12 acres - lucky girl!

thanks guys, i really miss her, she is such a character! Hopefully it will get easier once I stop worrying about her. Hopefull I can go visit her once she's settled in.

I still visit one of my old dogs that I had to give up due to wandering tendencies. He needed company, he is a Tenterfield Terrier, and now lives the life of luxury with his retired owners, goes crabbing where he stands on the bow of the boat, has his own recliner to watch TV and has two other foxies to tear around with.

So Nicki I do understand and I did miss him (still do) and I am glad that I can see him when I wish to. Which will be a lot more often because where our house is being built, he is just around the corner and I can see him in their backyard.

Oh and don't get the guilts about Belle, you tried your very best. I tore myself up about giving away Barney.

thanks ceejay, a couple of times I have had to stop myself from calling them and asking for her back, especially when I do something and I expect belle to come in and do the things she used to do like bring me toys or ask for a cuddle. Hopefully it will get easier soon