Rhona, You ask an excellent question! "Aggression" is a VERY broad term, covering a variety of undesireable behaviors w/ a variety of causes.
Preventing "aggression" from developing is much easier than treating it. You never know for sure if your new dog (of any breed--but especially working, terrier, and herding breeds) will develop "aggression" in one form or another, but here are some things off the top of my head that all new puppy/dog owners should do. These will stack the odds in your favor: Meet as many relatives of the new puppy/dog you are considering as possible, especially first and second degree relatives. What are their temperments like? How do they react to you? How do they react to new dogs? Ask the breeder to tell you in general about the dogs she/he breeds. She should not only discuss bone and coat and tail set but the relatives' temperments, good and bad points. Temperment should be very important to a good breeder in making breeding decisions. Meet them in person and see how you feel. Do NOT get a shy puppy or a puppy from shy parents. Fear aggression (sharp-shy) is one of the hardest things to manage. Do NOT chose either the most timid or the most outgoing puppy in the litter. Absolutely spay/neuter early, at least by 6-7 months.....especially for males. Females are sightly less prone to aggression than males (particularly dog-dog) tho this is in no way absolute. Start the day you bring home your new puppy and socialise socialise socialise! The youngster should experience lots and lots and lots of new people, places, sounds, scents, etc. Every day she should be experiencing some things that are totally new. Of course keep her safe, and make sure these are positive, happy experiences. Continue this thru 12-18 especially. Obedience train the new dog/puppy early and continue daily household training for the dog's lifetime, especially thru 2 years of age as the adolescant develops. Teach her everything, agility, obedience, carting, tracking, tricks....all foster confidence and your relationship/leadership. Spend a lot of time w/ the dog and make sure these are positive experiences. Check out Ian Dunbar, DVM's excellent videos "Fighting" and "Biting" for more detail on prevention and management. Also Brenda Aloff's new well written, comprehensive book "Aggression" and Susan Garrett's little booklet "Ruff Love" are absolutely excellent for anyone who has a dog who is struggling w/ this challenging issue. (available from www.dogwise.com) Anyone else have ideas? Vilma Briggs (Kistner) Mt. Gilead, OH U-UD Mocha Java Slurp, UDX, HIC, TT Ch. Brighteye Expresso Bean, UD, NDD, TT U-CDX Our Little Buddy, UD, NA, TT Thirdtym's A Charm, CGC and Ted
