Like most working dogs, Australian Cattle Dogs are bred for a degree of suspicion of strangers, human and animal. This can lead to aggression. The most frequently seen form is against other dogs. Aggression toward other dogs of the same gender is common to all dog breeds.
With a breed created from other breeds for a specific purpose of herding and guarding a certain amount of aggression is part of their basic engineered genetics. It's instinctive to be territorial and protective with regard to the people and things he considers to be his or his responsibility.
Any animal, be it a wandering neighborhood cat or a hundred and fifty pound Rottweiler is going to be met with serious aggression as soon as he's spotted. In addition to his territorial instincts the AUSTRALIAN CATTLE DOGS has the genetic background to be a hunter.
One of the breeds used in the origination of this breed was the wild Australian Dingo. Like this ancestor, the modern AUSTRALIAN CATTLE DOGS will run down and kill any thing they think of as prey. Unfortunately many Australian Cattle Dogs delight in killing cats and don't hesitate at smaller dogs or other small animals.
Although these are deeply ingrained instinctive behaviors, careful socialization when the dog is young can help. The period between ten and sixteen weeks is key but these dogs need lots of socialization throughout their lives. This can't be overstressed. Puppy classes offer the chance for your puppy to meet other dogs and people and learn how to interact responsibly. Continue to make opportunities for your dog to see new dogs throughout their lives. Inborn wariness of strangers can manifest as shyness and anxiety in some cases. If not corrected this will lead to fear based aggression. Either way, early and ample socialization is extremely important for the AUSTRALIAN CATTLE DOGS.
If you have more than one dog in your home there is bound to be a power struggle. This is natural. Supervised introductions are required but then bow out and let them come to an agreement on who's the alpha dog. Intervention will only stretch out the ordeal for you and your dogs. It's just something that has to be decided before everybody can settle into their place in the social order.
The best case scenario is to prevent aggression in you AUSTRALIAN CATTLE DOGS. It's lots harder to correct it once it's happened. Again, don't skip the puppy classes. If you have dog owning friends and family take your dog to visit and provide a supervised meeting to help strengthen socialization.
If your dog is exhibiting aggression toward other dogs you need to address the situation immediately. Desensitize your AUSTRALIAN CATTLE DOGS by introducing him to a new dog very slowly. Little by little, increase the time they spend together, allowing them to play as they grow more comfortable. Remember that your dog is very intelligent and intuitive. He can sense when you're tense or worried. If you find yourself in a situation involving other dogs try hard to stay calm and relaxed. He'll take his cue from you so don't let him see you sweat.
If you've done all you can and still have an aggressive dog you need to ask for professional help. Many areas offer special classes to deal with this problem. The trainer to dog ratio is high in these and they are often very effective. Be sure to communicate clearly with the trainers as to the nature of your dog's problematic behavior. The object is reinforce the dog's immediate obedience to your commands so you can stop a fight before it's out of control.
Some dogs are just extremely aggressive to other dogs and will need to be muzzled around other dogs if all else has failed. Always keep your AUSTRALIAN CATTLE DOGS on a lead in public to insure that their independence and sense of self-confidence does get the best of their good manners.
Australian Cattle Dogs temperament can test your determination and definitely have a mind of their own. Keep your chin up and invest the time and effort and you'll be rewarded with the companionship of a truly special dog.
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human and animal. This can lead to aggression. The most frequently seen form is against other dogs. Aggression toward other dogs of the same gender is common to all dog breeds. 
