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We addressed this in the Q and A, but I didn’t have time to read these posts. There definitely an obvious propensity for resource guarding, but I am also seeing a general sensitivity toward perceived aversion in any form, whether it be the aversion of being left alone, discomfort of punishment, losing something “valuable” etc.. It is good that there seems to be restraint before a bite.
It is very unlikely there is technical “dominance/leadership” aggression going on unless you see something that is not paired with the drawn back “fearful” body language and cannot be explained through the fear of a perceived aversive experience. This would fall more into the category of a “fear biter” at the moment, without additional information which makes him also prone to aggression with an ecollar or any collar that causes aversion.
That being said it doesn’t mean that this dog will not be prone to dominance aggression in the future, as I have seen it with older border collies, but there would need to be a sense of conflict for that happen and it sounds like you likely have him on the right track.
I would be working on making the crate very enjoyable through some troubleshooting and do LOTS of phase 2 mixing in play or something the dog enjoys. Good leave it, and out drills too all in phase 2.. This dog will need a lot of predictability and a sense that you are definitely always looking out for his pleasure to be successful. A major part of that is that the dog needs to know correction equals help (to good things). Lots and lots of phase 2 mastery which is the most rewarding for the handler and the dog.. the longer you can hold off the phase 3 the better. Hope this helps.Edit: I also want to add that you don’t necessarily NEED phase 3 to work out the main issue you are seeing either. Most of this would be worked out in phase 2 and phase 3 is just added control for especially difficult situations where you may need to get something from him that is dangerous and the obvious benefits of high level control that dont necssarily have to do with aggression.
