The problem with border collies, and generally with other pets, comes from the fact that they can become dominant and aggressive all of a sudden. There are some signs that show border collies aggression, but also some ways of preventing it before it appears. If your border collie has already started to act aggressively, you must look for solutions because his aggression can be handled with the right mental and physical equipment.

Signs of dominant aggressive in border collies are easy to recognize and must immediately be corrected. Mainly, these dominant aggressive dogs are overly protective of their possessions and also of their status of unique pets. They often tend to growl, snarl and bite whenever a family member approaches them, even if the intention of the owners is to give them food or water. They do the same when things are taken away from them, even if they don't need them anymore, like empty food and water bowls, blankets or toys. Sometimes, they may get mad if the owner simply holds in his hands some of their toys or moves their possessions while they are resting. Moreover, as signs of aggressiveness, they may attack other dogs and animals and mount them until they assume a submissive posture. In relations to humans, they might try to sexually hump their legs and bite them if they're being petted, detained in any way or groomed. Also, they could chase children's bicycles and people's cars, wander around in different areas, escape the backyard or the house and ignore all commands.

Aggressive border collies can become very confident in new situations, change their body language by standing with their heads erect, their ears bent forward, and their tails up. If their aggressiveness has reached top levels, then they may also curl their lips and expose their teeth, bite everyone and emit a low steady growl at the approaching of anyone. Yet, they want to be in the center of attention in all kinds of situations, especially when there are many people around. They require making the decisions of who does what and when and often urinate in different places in order to mark their territory.

Once border collies have become aggressive in temperament, it's very difficult to change their behavior. With all this though, there might be certain family members who could solve the problems they have, like the main owner, the head of the house or the one who was taken good care of him in the past and spent more time with him. While lower ranking members of the family or children can't be capable of changing an aggressive behavior, a more important one or even a professional trainer, can. Even if it's possible for these dogs to revert to their previous habits, you must try to help them become their old selves.

In order to prevent and manage their aggressive behavior, the first thing you need to do is to try to dominate the dog. You need to become the leader either he likes it or not, and dominate every aspect of his life. For example, when you're playing with him, don't let him end up with the ball at the end of the game and never let him win. Teach him to calmly sit by snapping on his leash and make him heel before petting him, entering the house or going outside. Make a lower family member like his caregiver and other members ignore him. Don't feed him from the table and make the things at which he growls off limits for him. Also, don't give them rewards unless he truly deserves them and remember to be consistent in praises and criticism. Be sure to clearly define the rules and remember that you're the master.