behavior issue

[Liberty]

Two weeks ago I adopted a 5 month, spayed, cattle dog mix. I have already trained her to sit, lay down and leave it... she's a darn smart pup. She's a wonderful girl...except for when I have people visiting our home. When she is intorduced to visitors, she is very shy, and cowers, when the visitor turns to walk away she jumps towards them and bites their heels. I know this is how they herd cattle. Is she trying to herd them out the door of her house? How can I stop this behavior? She will also bark and growl if they are, what she thinks (I think,)is a safe distance from her. The biting at the backs of peoples feet is what I need most to get control of. Since she has started this behavior I have kept her leashed when I have company, but I'd really like to not have to do that. Any suggestions?

[Liberty]

Ok, I should let you all know that I have goggled training for Angel... I know Cattle Dogs needs are a bit different, however, I guess I've been looking for a quick fix and there probably isn't one. I am going to have her meet people outside first (leashed)... and then go in the house with them. When we are on hikes and walks she is fine with people and other dogs... she is only not fine with people she doesn't know when she's at home.

[Kevin]

Wow.. this looks like it could be a post from my ex about her new dog! Wait.. it is.... never mind!

[E's]

Wondering how the training is coming along... have you been able to get in touch with herding dog rescue groups in your area? My DD is thinking of getting a rescue cattle dog mix as company for an aging golden and half a dozen cats... the one she had (smartest dog that ever lived according to her) went to the Bridge recently at age 16. She (DD that is) plans to use the clicker method this time... I know nothing about clicker training so I'm going to surf Amazon and local bookstores to read up on it - in case I get to puppy-sit...

[Amandasmom]

You could try to teach her to sit on a rug or towel. That's usually the first thing puppy kindergarten teaches. That's her place to wait. You can use that when eating dinner or when friends come over, she has to stay on her spot.

Come up with a phrase like Mat or Bed or Time out... Have her sit for a second and reward her. Then tell her to come. As she sits longer, give her great treats. The idea is that sitting there gets something great. Just increase the duration by either using a clicker, or just saying good dog. As she sits there, just keep saying good girl and give a treat. Then release her by saying come.

When she gets good at this and can sit calmly, then you can release her and let her meet your guests. The biting could be a herding or fear thing. Fear bitters like to bite from behind... My boy Pete was a fear bitter. Now that he is 13, he doesn't even hear a person coming. He is a collie mix. He also liked to herd small children, their parents loved that.

The point is she has to be calm when people visit. The excitement of people coming into the house may trigger her need to herd.