Change in behaviour

[jellybrain]

Not sure if I should be worried or if this is just a phase. My very placid collie has started to growl including hair standing on end in the last few days at people who are in places she's not expecting. I suspect she probably needs some more socialising but wondered if any one had any suggestions.

How old is she?

Whoops sorry I wandered off. Almost 6 months, could it be hormones

Dogs do have several fear times.

One when 8 weeks and then again around 6 months and then another ending around 14 months.

I expect that she is entering one of these stages. Do be careful with her espcially as she is a collie do not force her to do things she is anxious about just be confident around her. Up the training in places she feels confident as this helps to give dogs a feeling of wellbeing. GIve her plenty of chill out time where she can completely relax. It may be to increase her crate time in this period.

It will pass as quickly as it came if she is given time to build up confidence again.

This is really helpful minimu especially to know its normal at this age.

I suspect that all the changes she has had in her short life (rescue pup) have also been unsettling for her.

We start training school next week hope its not too scary for her. Will have to take lots of really good treats and arrive in plenty of time so she has time for a good sniff around first. Having met the trainer (and his amazing lab) and been to a non doggy session first I'm sure she'll be fine.

Any sudden changes in behaviour could be pain-related and should be checked out by a vet (you might need to request bloods).

Hi Laska

I don't think she's ill as it only happens when she sees a stranger somewhere she's not expecting it. So, at MILs house she has only seen us and MIL so, when niece was there she was a bit thrown I think.

Thanks for making me aware of the relationship between behaviour and pain though. I have added to my stuff of important things about dogs.