Rescue collie snapping at air just in front of you

[OllyCollie]

Hi

This is my first time on a forum and I wondered if anyone could help. We have a rescue collie about 18 months old - absolutely no history. She is generally very well behaved but has a tendency to snap at the air in front of you particularly when you are getting ready to go out. She is very excitable especially when she thinks she is going out. It doesn't seem that she wants to bite you but obviously we are concerned as she might do it to someone else.

Any thoughts?

OllyCollie

[nick_j007]

Can you post some video via Youtube maybe?

Is the dog jumping up and down excitedly at the same time or growling and making quick advances at you as if to nip?

Would be worth seeing the 'action' of the air snapping. It sounds like excessive excitement otherwise, and you could benefit from looking at this article:

Doorways. Keeping it calm.

HTH,

Nick

[OllyCollie]

Hi Nick

Thanks for the advice - I have looked at the article and it seems to be really relevant. I think it is excitment but obviously we want to nip this in the bud. We are having her spayed this Friday - perhaps this might help calm her down a bit.

OllyCollie

[nick_j007]

Originally Posted by OllyCollie

Hi Nick

Thanks for the advice - I have looked at the article and it seems to be really relevant. I think it is excitment but obviously we want to nip this in the bud. We are having her spayed this Friday - perhaps this might help calm her down a bit.

OllyCollie

Good. Good luck in your efforts. Please be aware that spaying should not be seen as a means to calm a dog down. You will remove any calming influences hormonally that she already has (oestrogen & progesterone) and many people have reported just the opposite. Males may be more influenced by castration, but again no guarantees, and some may even worsen. Just good to go in with your eyes open that's all.

Best.

Nick

[OllyCollie]

Hi Nick

Sorry for not responding - carpal tunnel surgery (me not the dog). She seems to be quite a lot calmer now and happier than when we collected her in January. We have started training classes but I am a little wary of using the slip lead they recommend - should I be?

[nick_j007]

Use whatever equipment that suits you and the dog. If she pulls hard, a slip lead could throttle her, so a regular broad collar and lead (or with guidance temp. use of a head collar) would be best IMO.

Nick