Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Lucy is officially 6 months old today (happy 1/2 birthday baby girl!).
She has completed her first puppy education class and did fantastic. The only problem we still have (that we have been working on with minimal results) is her strong herding instinct for our son (who is 2 1/2 yrs old). She does "ok" with my husband and I (unless she is bored and needs a job (aka hard play time/fetch))at which time she will nip at the back of our legs to keep us from going inside. But regardless of anything else, she won't leave him alone. He cannot be out in the back yard (1 acre clear, level and fenced) playing without her running around him and nipping/biting at him. She has even started to run full speed at him and then literally plow him over!

Does anyone have any suggestions to help us curtail this behavior? I know it's instinct but there's got to be something that can help... We can't reach her with a squirt bottle or anything, the yard is too big.
Any suggestions are greatly appreciated!!

You can try putting her on a long line. A 15 ft lead with you at the other end. When she tries this, stop her and re direct her attention.
Its all up to you to get her attention and not let this continue as your son is to little. I know he's not out there alone with a rambunctious aussie pup, so a long line may work.
Playing and fetch isn't alot for an aussie. she should know sit,down, come, and be working on what stay means and any and all tricks you can teach her. These dogs have a brain that needs stimulated as much as their body does.
As for trying to nip your pant legs, a strong AWW, Ouch or whatever sound you like and immediately make her stop. Don't let her do it ever. As before, try redirecting, maybe don't let her get in that position in the first place, or maybe keeping her on a lead for a bit till she gets the idea.
Out in that big of an area, shes to far out of reach most times to make a correction if needed or re enforce a command.
Obedience classes would help.
These dogs do need something to do. Start teaching her "hold it" and "take it". Let her carry small things once she learns. Start teaching her anything you can think of. Teach her the names of her toys, how to put them away, names of family members, shake paw, roll over, crawl, just anything. With a aussie, nothing is impossible!
Keep her mind and body busy and never ever allow nipping or teeth on skin.
A small child is something fun to be interested in to a dog. They move fast, irratically and make interesting sounds.