Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

My Australian Heeler nips strangers. How to prevent bites on farm?

Updated on September 23, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Australian Cattle Dog | Female | unspayed | 1 year and 6 months old | 35 lbs

Hello I have an Australian Queensland Heeler. Every time a stranger to her comes over she freaks out and starts barking at everyone. She will start to bark and try to nip at them. I am usually the only person that can calm her down. We live on a farm and have workers coming. I am afraid that one day she’ll bite someone and become a liability.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Maria DVM

Veterinarian

Published on August 5, 2018

I would get a trainer to come to your home and work with Penny. It is not a good scenario as you already know to have a dog that we are concerned about biting when you have workers coming over. A trainer can work with you and Penny to get her to accept people coming on and off of your property. I would have a trainer that comes to your house to do this so they can see any triggers there are for her. THank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

My 8-month-old puppy bites when hyper or protective. How to train him?

I would recommend actually hiring a trainer to come and evaluate Axel. They can work with you and him on how to either stop the behavior or redirect him so he does not bite people. Your veterinarian or people in your neighborhood will be the best place to go for a recommendation. I would also recommend a trainer that comes to your home. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Updated on September 23, 2025

Training & Behavior

My dog gets nervous and barks at strangers. What can I do to help?

I would recommend working with a trainer with Kiwi. The trainer would come to your home and see exactly what her triggers are and how she behaves. At that point they can recommend ways to help her and help you handle the situation. This would be the best for Kiwi. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Updated on September 23, 2025

Food & Nutrition

My dog bites over food and won't listen. How do I train him?

I would recommend hiring a trainer to come to your home. I feel that at this point if he is that aggressive when you are trying to take food from him them a trainer should be involved to help you learn commands on how to deal with the situation and teach Chewy about this situation also. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Updated on September 23, 2025

Training & Behavior

My dog goes crazy when strangers visit. How can I calm her down?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Almost any behavior can be resolved with training and behavior modification. I would highly recommend you consider contacting a local dog trainer who can work with you in person as that is needed. This should work but it will take time and persistence and of course a professional working with you both. Best of luck!

Updated on September 23, 2025

Training & Behavior

Why does my dog growl when leashing and get uneasy near food?

I would have a trainer come to your home to see exactly what is going on. It may be the way you approach her or it could be something else triggering this. They then can work with you to tell you how to fix it and deal with these situations. Your veterinarian or people in your neighborhood would be the best people to ask who is a good trainer that comes to the house. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Updated on September 23, 2025

Training & Behavior

My dog barks and bites when touched. How do I stop this behavior?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This can indeed be fixed. However, this does require training in person with a qualified dog trainer. I would recommend you contact a dog trainer that can work with you in person. Best of luck!

Updated on September 23, 2025

Training & Behavior

My dog bites guests. How to train him to be calm with guests?

This is a very difficult problem. This is link to a behavioral issue that can be resolved with training. I would recommend asking a trainer to come into the house to help you. Also I would start working on basic commands, like sit, come and stay. That way when people come over you can re direct Ripley. IT will be very helpful to have someone like a trainer work with you one on one. I hope that helps

Updated on September 23, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share