First, please don't attack me by saying you don't know this breed, you need to rehome her, or spend thousands on a trainer. She is a pure-bred and AKC registered Mal. I knew what I was getting. She has been trained. She exercises, walks, and plays daily. I am looking for reasons for a behavior change. Why would she do these things?
Over the last six months or so, she has started nipping/biting visitors and family not in our house. This is a new thing. If someone visits our house, she greets them fine. We have no aggression issues. Once they are inside and settled, she sticks to them like glue. She mostly wants attention/pets. If they move, she is on their hip. Then, out of nowhere, they move the 'wrong' way and BAM. She nips or bites, usually the hand, leg, or butt. We have started leashing her when visitors come.
The most recent event occurred at a family member's house. She has been there several times with no issue. This family member has a lot of acreage. She was out running free for a long time. Coming and going as she pleased. She would come in the shop where they were working, check out things, and go out again. At one point, she came in and was just standing there close to the property owner and my child who were working. The property owner just stood up from being bent over, and she bit them on the leg. The owner made no movement toward her, made no sounds, did nothing, had no idea she was even there.
I am at a loss at this change. Is she herding, resource guarding, fear/defense? Again, I am seeking reasons why she would be doing this. I know I can get a muzzle. However, I would like to find the root cause and correct it, not just keep her from opening her mouth. I will admit that if I can't identify the problem and correct it, I will likely be looking at having to do something with her. We love this dog, but we can't have this unpredictability/liability. I appreciate any insight.
submitted by /u/IFightTheFire
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