A couple weeks ago someone attempted to break into our home. They popped open the screen door with something, which made a very loud noise, alerting our dogs and us. Our intact male Australian Cattle Dog (2 years old) immediatly went on the defensive and charged the door, barking and growling, and the person fled.
However, I think Ruger has suffered because of it. Ever since that night his demeanor has changed. For the first few days he was very jumpy and on edge. We did not blame him, as we were too. Then he did a flip, and has started to become a bit aggressive with his attitude and actions.
What can we do to help him? I don't want him to live in fear or worry like this. And I certainly don't want him to spiral down this path of aggressive behavior.
(I decided to bring this to the ACD section as well in hopes others who really understand Cattle Dog behavior to begin with can lend me a hand. I think knowng how the breed is helps a lot!)
