4 month old Australian Shepard Attacking littles

[JeannineSmith]

Help please! My 41/2 month Australian Shepard is attacking our little dogs. It usually involves food in some way. (Not feeding time) We’ve taken away all toys that have treats. We don’t let them get nose to nose. What do you recommend?

[Adrienne]

Hi Jeannine Smith,

Welcome to the forums,

I am sorry to hear your 4 month old puppy is attacking your little dogs. These multi-dog interactions can be quite complex at times to decipher, so I would need more information to better understand what may going on.

What breeds are your little dogs?  How old are they?

How long have you had your Aussie puppy? And how long your little dogs?

How have your little dogs reacted to your Aussies' attacks? Do they attack back? Retreat? Show fear?

What do the attacks include? Can you describe them? Is your Aussie barking? Lunging? Growling? Attempting to bite?  Biting causing injuries? 

Is your Aussie attacking the other little dogs when they have toys with treats? Or does your Aussie have such toys and attacks the little dogs for getting too near?

You said the attacks "usually" involve food, but it sounds like they may have occurred in other circumstances, if so, can you describe other circumstances?

When you say you don't let them get nose to nose, do you mean you are keeping them separated meaning in different areas?  This is a good approach until we better understand what may be going on to ensure everyone's safety. 

Thanks for the extra details!