My Dog Bit Me

I am so sorry - this has to be devastating.  What happened to you on this walk is, I believe, what some people refer to as misdirected aggression. 

I know you tried a behaviorist and it was in a "real world" setting, which is great, but since the behavior wasn't exhibited, you had little chance to get input on how to manage it.  I'd suggest you find a trainer offering something like a "Feisty Fido" or "Leash Aggression" class so you can work on this in a controled environment.  How the class is structured will depend on the trainer's philosophy - I'm doing a class for my proximity sensitive and guardy dog that is very much positive reinforcement based.

Thorough veterinary examination is a good idea, too, to see if pain (hip dysplasia for example) could be a factor and also a thyroid panel (many believe there is a link between aggression and thyroid levels - I'm no expert, but I'm sure someone who knows more will post).  I'm also not a trainer, of course - just telling you how I've chosen to try to handle my reactive dog!  Good luck!

 My guess is that he is territorial (sometimes, you, or even the space around the dog is considered "territory";) or simply "guardy" and reactive, as many Aussies are.  Some of them simply are NOT everyone's friend, nor will they ever be.  I believe you got bitten because you were frustrating his desire to "get" the guy or the other passersby.  Interfering with a dog that is in a state of aggression can easily earn you a redirected bite, even from your own dog.  I would not walk this dog in public without a muzzle, as he could do damage to someone and earn you a lawsuit - and I would complete the protocol in "Click to Calm" http://www.dogwise.com/ItemDetails.cfm?ID=DTB825

Another possibility is that the dog has a seizure disorder, or as someone else suggested, a thyroid problem.  But, if the aggression is triggered by the appearance of strangers, I'd bet on "guardy", not ill.  If it seems idiopathic, then maybe a vet visit to have the thyroid checked. 

A few things to note:

•  When the behaviorist was here, he did exhibit some of this behavior on her.  She just didn't get to witness the spontaneity of him going off on a stranger that happened to be passing us by.  It was in her opinion that this was a prey instinct.  Maybe this is because of the way he reacts to squirrels and such.  Maybe it is because sometimes it appears as if he is stalking a person who is blocks ahead of us.
• I personally think he becomes more reactive, though, when someone approaches him from behind. 
  
• It is possible that this is a territorial thing, however, he used to be extremely friendly with all people, though lately he seems less interested in this.  The behaviorist said that this is probably because he gets a lot of human attention throughout the day that he is satiated.  I'd like to note, however, that there have also been some occasions where he did not freak on the stranger until after the stranger walked away. By that I mean, a stranger will squat down to pet him and such and Luther did not react until the stranger stood up. 
  
• Also, this is something that seems to happen out of the blue.  He hasn't exhibited this behavior in weeks, then all of the sudden, BAM, he went bonkers.  This makes us think that there is something specific that is triggering this.  But, I am certainly no dog expert, so this is my human mind attempting to conceptualize animal behavior.
  

Although I am inclined to agree with Spiritdogs (her experience dwarfs my own by orders of magnitude), it's possible that your dog hasn't learned enough manners.

After you have had the vet check done, you could still walk in public with a muzzle. At first, it won't change behavior, just provide safety for others, including yourself.

But, in my opinion, it's as if he doesn't know how to handle situtations that do not include close proximity with physical attention. The distances and associated sounds and smells spell anxiety. So, you have to re-define what those situations mean. Reward the calm behavior, ignore the bad behavior, which is easier to do with a muzzle on. Also, reward acceptance of the muzzle. Make it's presence a good thing, which will help to generate calm. One member here uses a muzzle and when her dog is wearing it, she's calm and cool. And, if possible, see if you can contact a behaviorist in your area.

 My only suggestion would be to write down everything you can possilby remember about this incedent.  The side of the road you're walking on, the build of the person passing, the number of people passing.  The time of day.  Sounds that were heard around that time.  Was the person dragging his feet?  Your reaction(this is a huge one).  Basically anything and everything that you can think of whether you think its important or not.  Perhaps if you can do this each time, you can find some sort of pattern or trigger.  But write it down.  Its hard to recall things in a stressful situation after the fact has passed, so document it while its still fresh in your mind.

I'm not very good with the quote thing, so my response will be in italics:

•  When the behaviorist was here, he did exhibit some of this behavior on her.  She just didn't get to witness the spontaneity of him going off on a stranger that happened to be passing us by.  It was in her opinion that this was a prey instinct.  Maybe this is because of the way he reacts to squirrels and such.  Maybe it is because sometimes it appears as if he is stalking a person who is blocks ahead of us.

• t is possible that this is a territorial thing, however, he used to be extremely friendly with all people, though lately he seems less interested in this.  The behaviorist said that this is probably because he gets a lot of human attention throughout the day that he is satiated.  I'd like to note, however, that there have also been some occasions where he did not freak on the stranger until after the stranger walked away. By that I mean, a stranger will squat down to pet him and such and Luther did not react until the stranger stood up. 
  

• Also, this is something that seems to happen out of the blue.  He hasn't exhibited this behavior in weeks, then all of the sudden, BAM, he went bonkers.  This makes us think that there is something specific that is triggering this.  But, I am certainly no dog expert, so this is my human mind attempting to conceptualize animal behavior.
  

As a breed, Aussies are also famous for this.  They are not everyone's friend and THEY decide who is ok and who isn't, not you.  Inappropriate by human standards, but it's often part of the Aussie rulebook.  These can be difficult dogs to own, and it's imperative that they be well trained - need to have an impeccable recall and "leave it", plus the normal obedience skills, but many times you still aren't going to make them love everyone. Probably not what you wanted to hear, but often the real deal with these guys.

But doesn't it seem like a frustration bite? The prey thing, they territorial thing--all of that seem like long-term issues for you to deal with (like maybe even for the rest of his life).

The bite? Totally done because he was focused on his target, didn't get his target, and bit you. The question perhaps isn't so much how you can make sure he doesn't bite another walked (short leash, Halti, and/or muzzle will do the trick there), but how you can ensure you don't get bit next time you make a grab for him. You may have to learn to work with him without touching him at all.

Have you had him to the vet for a complete blood work up? Sometimes minor things going on inside of your dog can trigger big problems on the outside.

Have you concidered taking him back to a basic obiendience class? Explain to the trainer what you are expierencing, and what you are looking to accomplish.

Maybe take him on a long run before his walk? I would not allow the dog to react aggressivly towards another person, you need to get control of the situation before it escalates to that point. Clicker training may be your best bet here.Keep his sole attention on you - don't allow him to be distracted by the things around him. And most importantly, keep yourself calm. Dogs can really sense emotions - and they know when you start to loose control of yourself - that's when your biggest problems will occure. Talk to him in a low, calm voice. Keep his attention with you at all times, click/treat for good behaviors.

Thanks everyone for your input.  We have taken Luther to obedience and we do engage in clicker training.  He is actually very well behaved.  Most of the time he is fine around people and this is not a problem.  This is just an occasional freak out and we just can't figure out what it is that sets him off and why it is such an aggressive reaction.  When he bit me, I was holding him close, as I always do because we are still leash training, and I was not touching him, I was only holding the leash.  He normally has no adverse reactions to my touch.  He has been to the vet and he is fine. Luther is also very socialized.  That is why his behavior is so shocking.  I think spritdogs may be on to something.  We have only had Luther for 10 months and he is just over on year old.  He was sick as a puppy and passed around a lot and I think he has finally settled in and grown attached to us.  The more I think of his behaviors, the more I think it might be a territorial thing  because lately he seems to be bothered by delivery people, whereas a couple months ago he would sit by the door quiet as a mouse.  Unfortunately, I think we have done and are doing all that we can.

luther6

When he bit me, I was holding him close, as I always do because we are still leash training, and I was not touching him, I was only holding the leash.  He normally has no adverse reactions to my touch. 

I guess I don't understand how he bit your arm if you were standing and not touching him. Maybe your leg, but your arm? I still says it's exactly what Spiritdogs says--he bit you out of frustration because what he wanted he couldn't get at.

Really, what I meant by my post was more immediate--what to do next time he's in frustration mode so you don't get bit. Sounds like you're doing what you need to to ensure other walkers don't get bit, but what about you?

luther6

  We have only had Luther for 10 months and he is just over on year old.  He was sick as a puppy and passed around a lot and I think he has finally settled in and grown attached to us.

Ding ding ding!

Spiritdogs, you nailed it. He's an aussie going through his little punk stage, thinking HE'S the one calling the shots about other people.

The bite was an act of frustration, like a teenager screaming at you and then slamming the bedroom door.  

 Would you mind sharing what the tips are that the behaviourist gave you?

Also, has this dog been checked by a vet?   

I agree that this dog sounds like an Aussie, and not a very abnormal one at that.  And that was an incredibly unhelpful answer, I know.

I'd encourage you to continue working with the behaviorist, and also to pursue good positive approaches like the "click to calm" recommended by Anne. 

Some points to remember as you work with this dog. 

• Aussies can take a very long time to overcome reactive behaviors.  They are really, really hardwired to be reactive and do it without checking in at headquarters.  In this they differ from the collie breeds, in which it's much easier to train in that "look for help" behavior.  Please don't get discouraged if you feel you are making slow progress.
• If you are working on extinguishing an undesirable behavior, there will be a time when it's much worse than it ever was, possibly even with some new behaviors thrown in.  If you are patient, and go back to square one, and stick it out, suddenly, and I am not kidding on this, you will wake up some morning and it will all be gone, for good.  This is called the "extinction burst."  I've learned to welcome it as a sign that I'm getting somewhere!  LOL
• Going back to his being an Aussie, besides telling him what he can't do, it is imperative that you give him something to do.  This is a good idea for most dogs, but it's vital for an Aussie - they are incredibly task-oriented.  Keep his mind active on the walks - do puppy pushups as you walk, teach a heel with him looking right in your face, teach him to weave through your legs, bring a toy and toss it to him every so often, or bring treats and have him do a trick every so often.  Talk to him - tell him where you are going - "Let's go to X street!"  "Let's go HOME!"  "Here's the GATE!"  Say it the same way every time, at the same place every time - you will feel like a fool but your dog will eat it up for supper and give back 100% and more.  The more patterns he recognizes, and the more he feels like he's got a place in life, the less he'll feel obligated to take control of the things he sees around him.

According to the Behaviorist, our biggest issue was that we were inadvertently reinforcing his bad behaviors.  As he was barking/lunging/pulling, we were giving him attention by calling his name, saying "let's go," etc., etc.  So, even though we look like crazy people, when he behaves like that we just ignore him and the minute he stops we use positive reinforcement.  I wish I could say it was working.  Grabbing his attention is next to impossible, even if we are ignoring him, AND he is extremely stubborn.  He pulls towards every animal, insect, smell, noise, person.  His head is constantly darting this way and that.  He has little to no patience.  Even the behaviorist noted that he was particularly stubborn.

We have been working on his "problems" for a year now.  I love this little guy, but we have stretched ourselves pretty thin.  Every free moment we have has been dedicated to this dog and we have overextended ourselves financially with behaviorists, daycare, training, etc.  I think we might just be the wrong environment for this dog.  We are trying to make it work, I'm just not sure if it is.