Dog question

[mizfiesta]

My mum has an eight year (approximate age) mongrel dog. She's had him since he was around a year old and got him from a dog rescue centre. Not sure of what breeds are in him but he (slightly) resembles a collie/german shepherd type dog. He's a lovely dog but I've noticed that twice in the last couple of weeks, when I've been standing up, he goes past me and without any sound - growling etc - he very quickly grabs/nips the bottom of my leg. It doesn't leave a mark and it's not painful but I do get a fright as he does it quite firmly. He has done it with a couple of other family members to on occassion in the past. I just wondered what makes him do this? As I said I don't think he's being aggressive - he certainly doesn't appear aggressive beforehand. Is he being playful? Any dog psychologists out there could give me some idea?

[blackcat77]

Sounds like the collie side is coming out! Quite often when a collie is working and rounding up a flock of sheep a little nip on the sheep's heels will speed them up. It sounds like he is trying to "herd" you and your family and as it is part of his instinct and not aggression.

[laura_ded]

Yes this is definately the collie coming out and it is him herding you but it is also about the pecking order in the family. whoever he does this to he feels he is above you and you need to prove you are of higher status.

[mizfiesta]

Well Noknowledge, that's certainly an answer to my question from a different perspective. But I think putting my mum's dog on a flight to Cuba or any other foreign destination would perhaps be an over reaction? Maybe that's just me?

[lankeela]

Thanks for the laugh, funniest thing I have seen on here for ages!

As for the dog, I would get him check at the vet for eyesight/hearing problems, he may not be seeing/hearing people going past and it makes him startled. If all is ok, then he needs to be made aware that this is not acceptable behaviour, either by the person being nipped making a short sharp high pitched 'ouch' sound like another dog would do, or else told 'no' in a very firm voice. Make him either go and lie in his bed, or put him in another room for a while, so he realises his actions are not welcome. This must be stopped before it becomes more serious, as a quick nip now could turn into a bite before you realise.