My dog has been bitten people that come to the house since she got spayed.

It's understandable to be concerned — a change in behavior after a procedure like spaying is something worth taking seriously, both for Bella's wellbeing and for the safety of people around her.

First, a little reassurance: some behavioral changes after spaying are not unusual, especially in the weeks right after surgery. A dog who is in pain or discomfort may be more reactive or defensive than normal. For a 6-year-old Australian Cattle Dog — a breed that's naturally alert, protective, and highly attuned to their environment — that instinct to guard can sometimes get amplified when they're not feeling their best.

That said, biting is a serious safety concern, and it's important to look at the full picture.

A few things that could be contributing:

• Post-surgical discomfort or pain — Even weeks after a spay, some dogs experience lingering soreness or hormonal shifts that can affect mood and tolerance.
• Hormonal changes — Spaying removes the ovaries, which changes a dog's hormone balance. In some dogs, this can temporarily (or in some cases more lastingly) affect confidence, anxiety levels, or reactivity.
• Breed traits — Australian Cattle Dogs are naturally wary of strangers and can be protective of their home and people. If that tendency was already present, stress from surgery may have lowered her threshold for reacting.
• A learned pattern — If biting has worked to make strangers go away, she may be repeating it.

Steps you can take right now:

• Manage the environment — Until this is sorted out, keep Bella separated from visitors. Use a crate, a separate room, or a baby gate. This protects everyone while you work on the issue.
• Note the pattern — When does it happen? Is she giving warning signals first (growling, stiffening, staring)? This information will be very helpful for a vet or trainer.
• Avoid punishment — Punishing a growl or snap can suppress warning signals without addressing the cause, which can make biting more unpredictable.

A certified professional dog trainer or veterinary behaviorist (a vet who specializes in behavior) can be a huge help here. Your regular vet is also a great starting point to rule out any ongoing physical discomfort.

When to see your vet: Given that Bella has already bitten multiple people, this warrants a vet visit soon — ideally within the next few days. Your vet can check whether pain or hormonal changes are playing a role, and can refer you to a veterinary behaviorist if needed. In the meantime, please take precautions to prevent further biting incidents. This is the kind of situation where getting professional eyes on it quickly really matters.