Hi. I adopted what I thought was a 14 month old Aussie/Border Collie mix a little over 2 weeks ago from an animal shelter. I have since found out that she is a Catahoula. She is a sweet dog, but I am becoming concerned that she is too aggressive.
First, she snapped at the vet and tech as they were trying to check her ears and then muzzle her (this whole process was unsuccessful). I have also witnessed her get a little too rough at the dog park with other dogs and occasionally with me (if she starts nipping to play and I scold her, she'll snap back at me). Then, on Friday, she snapped at the teacher of our dog obiedence class as we were working to get a gentle leader on. Then she snapped at 2 other dogs in the class.

Basically, I don't know if this is typical Catahoula behavior or if she is overly aggressive. I do think that part of the problem is that I can only get her about 2 hrs of walking daily. I understand that the breed needs about 2 hours of running, but I don't have the time for that. As I said before, I was told that she was a mix of 2 different breeds, so I did not anticipate the exercise needs that she really should have. I am just at a loss as to what to do. I can't have an aggressive dog, but I'm also afraid that my current living situation is not ideal for a Catahoula. If someone could please give me some advice, I am desperate!

How did you find out she was Catahoula? My dog is australian shephered/redbone coonhound but has been mistaken for a Catahoula by several people...including my vet.

I'm not familiar with the Catahoula breed so I can't say whether her behavior is typical or not. One thing I can recommend is that you immediately begin using NILIF (nothing in life is free), which basically means she must work for everything she wants or needs.

Would it be possible to have her accessed by a behaviorist? There are handling exercises that would also be beneficial but I'm not sure they would be safe without the guidance of a professional if she is quick to snap at you.

Here's a good page to find out about the Catahoula Leopard dogs. Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog Information I've never had one, nor do I know anyone that has. So I can't really help you beyond that. Hope this page helps a little.