Australian Shepherd Starting to Show Aggression Toward People

by Michelle
(Texas)

Hello, I am in desperate need for help. I have an Aussie (he's almost 2) and he has been the best dog in the world, though he is protective of me which I never minded until now.

I grew up with Aussies so like to think I'm somewhat familiar with them, but I've exhausted all the options I've come up with.

Tuf, my Aussie, is defiantly my dog. It has been just me and my husband his whole life, and you can tell he is my dog over my husband's, but he's never shown aggressive behavior to other people, just other dogs that would get too close to me.

Now, I have an 11 month old baby and he has started showing aggression toward people. We took him to the groomer, and he nipped and barked at the groomer when he came too close, but when I gave the groomer the leash and left, he said Tuf was perfect so he must just be protecting the baby (my daughter).

However, he does NOT like when my daughter gets more attention than he does, and today I was sitting on the floor with him and she crawled over and he growled and nipped at her when she got close. He made contact, but didn't break the skin, and this horrified me.

I love Tuf more than anything, but can't take the risk of him hurting my daughter and refuse to just make him spend his life in a pen. I am to the point where I feel like I need to rehome him, but if there are any other ideas to try, am more than open.

He is not neutered, which I read could be part of it, do you think neutering him will help solve the problem? Please, please, please help!!

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