Dog suddenly becomes aggressive
Dog suddenly becomes aggressive
Louie (3) has become very aggressive towards Winnie (10)lately. They have had food problems, so he is crated to be fed and at night or when we leave.. In the past 3 weeks or so, it has escalated to non-food times. I'm wondering if he is trying to take on the Alpha role.....he also seems to be possessive of his humans. Any ideas??? Would obedience training help, or would the aggression still be there? We had to let him go home with my son tonight, where he will be the only dog, to cool down....I am wondering if this might have to be permanent. We have had him for a year and a half, and didn't have problems before, and he doesn't do it with the other 2 dogs. Fortunately, DS has always thought Louie was a cool dog, and his home has a fenced yard and doggie door. I am sick about this, but am glad we have a place to put him....Neither dog is sick that I know of, although Winnie is on antbiotics for a lump on her tail.
Re: Dog suddenly becomes aggressive
I'm lucky, and have never had to deal with something this major. Is there any chance Louie is hurting somewhere? Or maybe Winnie is hurting and has become less patient, so, without really intending to, is causing this type of response from Louie? Could it be associated with the hustle and bustle of the holiday season - Lots of commotion in the house, schedules off, new or different people around? Maybe, like most of us, Louie just needs to relax, catch up on his sleep, and get back to whatever he considers 'normal'.
"A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself." ~ Josh Billings.
Re: Dog suddenly becomes aggressive
If there is nothing physical like him being in pain, then yes, obedience and a leadership program may help. Giving him a secure place in the pack and having him look to you rather than dealing with things himself can relieve a lot of the tension if he's constantly worrying about his place. Susan Garrett's book Ruff Love is a great starting place. Seeing a trainer and doing some obedience classes would be great, too.
JMM -- JaMi Maltese -- Dust Mops with Drive
Re: Dog suddenly becomes aggressive
Much of what you both said makes sense...daughter was here with her 2 dogs (both older and calm), but she was here for last Christmas and Easter and the 4th, and he was fine. Spent today researching, and am inclined to think it is a dominence issue.....being a rescue, his age is uncertain, and he may just be maturing..or ....
JMM, what you said really does decsribe him....he seems tense. Very lovable, but always aware.
Son went to work today for about 6 hours, and Louie had dug under the gate, but was just across the street. I doubt he had been gone long, so they were enjoying each other. (He never tried to dig out here). Tomorrow son has a long day (retail manager), so we decided to confine him to the house, and we will go check on him and play with him half way through the day, rather than bring him back here. Oh.h.h this is hard.....
JMM, what you said really does decsribe him....he seems tense. Very lovable, but always aware.
Son went to work today for about 6 hours, and Louie had dug under the gate, but was just across the street. I doubt he had been gone long, so they were enjoying each other. (He never tried to dig out here). Tomorrow son has a long day (retail manager), so we decided to confine him to the house, and we will go check on him and play with him half way through the day, rather than bring him back here. Oh.h.h this is hard.....