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The doghouse

If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.

Original poster

Dog aggressive behaviour

55 replies

babyboy20 · 06/07/2021 16:36

Hi,

Just looking for some advice really as I feel racked with guilt even thinking about options.

We have a 10 year old dog. He has always had a slightly unpredictable temperament especially with me. However with training and following behaviourist advice he's been manageable. He and my do adore each other but he even has had moments of aggression towards do.

We had a baby a year ago and I'm a stay at home mom now. I keep him away from baby at all times as he is not fond at all.

But his behaviour towards me is frightening me. Multiple times a day he will bark in my face so loud and start lunging at me. I then move and he is lunging at my legs and arms as I walk. This results in him having to spend a lot of time separated in the kitchen or garden.

I think I know what the answer is but my dp just doesn't understand the gravity of his unpredictable behaviour as he hasn't actually bitten me.

He's a staff mix.

I feel so bad for him as he's obviously unhappy but I'm also becoming frightened of him and just don't know how to do the right thing without my dp resenting me.

Tia for any advice xx

OP posts:
warmfluffytowels · 07/07/2021 06:15

The walking sounds good!

But many dogs won't play with toys on their own - if he's food motivated I would shut him in a safe space and give a frozen kong, natural chew or lick-mat so he has something to occupy himself with.

To me, it sounds like he's acting out because he's no longer the centre of your world - you then shut him out because you feel safer and his behaviour ramps up because he's getting even less attention from you.

What about a dog walker or daycare during the day? Up the exercise a bit and give him something that will break the day up and tire him out? Mine used to come home from daycare and sleep for hours - it was utter bliss Grin

Original poster
babyboy20 · 07/07/2021 07:46

He is walked for 20 mins in the morning and around 30 in the evening. He is not allowed off lead as he is reactive with other dogs but has a longline.

I will look at getting a dog Walker for mid day to see if that makes any different.

He does have a few kong toys including snuffle mat.

I am still going to speak to my vet today for advise.

It may sound like I am jumping to conclusions but I am not. PTS is absolutely worst case scenario and we don't want to do that if we can avoid it.

Equally, I can not carry on living in fear in my own home. I never know when it's going to happen and I'm on eggshells

OP posts:
Original poster
babyboy20 · 07/07/2021 07:46

@heartbroken2021 thank you I will check it out Now xx

OP posts:
Wolfiefan · 07/07/2021 07:51

That’s not much daily stimulation. Training? Brain games?

Original poster
babyboy20 · 07/07/2021 07:56

@Wolfiefan when he is calm I play with him, I think he gets plenty of stimulation. He has many toys and food based games. However reduced by his behaviour now because I won't risk getting bitten.

Like I said il look at a dog Walker for midday.

OP posts:
Wolfiefan · 07/07/2021 07:57

If he was “biting” you then you would be needing medical attention. I really think you’re misreading the situation. Not saying the behaviour is acceptable but if you don’t understand it then you won’t change it. Maybe ask vet about decent behaviourist when you go? Some insurances cover behaviourist fees.

warmfluffytowels · 07/07/2021 07:58

I think a walker would be a good idea - I don't think a 20 minute walk is long enough really - especially if you expect him to then settle and be calm all day.

I know you take him out again at night but I would try for at least an hour in the morning and again at lunchtime with the walker - then you may easily be able to drop the evening walk.

Original poster
babyboy20 · 07/07/2021 08:02

@warmfluffytowels he is only walked for maximum 30 mins because he is out of breath and struggling after so long, he is getting on now.

However, I do think getting a mid day walk may help as multiple short walks should hopefully give him more stimulation

OP posts:
warmfluffytowels · 07/07/2021 08:06

Ah okay, I didn't realise it was a fitness issue.

A dog walker could come once or twice a day for half an hour if you asked - I do half hour visits for younger/older dogs 😊

Original poster
babyboy20 · 07/07/2021 08:08

@warmfluffytowels thank you , I've already messaged the local dog Walker this morning hopefully get started ASAP x

OP posts:
warmfluffytowels · 07/07/2021 08:15

Excellent 😊 fingers crossed it helps! Even a half an hour walk a day could make all the difference!

Wolfiefan · 07/07/2021 08:45

If he can’t manage to walk for more than half an hour then I would definitely consult a vet. Is he overweight? Any other health signs??

tabulahrasa · 07/07/2021 09:05

“ I mean that he can be fast asleep next to me and then all of a sudden barking lunging and nipping at me.“

“he is only walked for maximum 30 mins because he is out of breath and struggling after so long, he is getting on now. “

Has he been properly checked at the vets? Tbh, it sounds more like he might be in pain than a behavioural issue...

Gothichouse40 · 07/07/2021 09:13

The dog sounds jealous of the baby. If it was me , the dog would be out of the house, if OH doesn't like it, he could go and live elsewhere with the dog. Im not meaning to sound flippant. Your baby is the most important thing here, also you don't feel safe. Unfortunately dogs can get very jealous. The dog needs to be removed.

PollyRoulson · 07/07/2021 09:17

A 10 year old dog with a change in behaviour needs to get a vet check first.

Then ask to be referred to a qualified behaviourist who will be about to give an assessment talk through the options.

Your dog has not bitten yet (so your dog is showing restraint it has chosen not to bite) however the behaviour it is showing does need professional help be it from a physical or behavioural cause.

Original poster
babyboy20 · 07/07/2021 09:32

He is being seen by the vet at 2.15 today. He isn't overweight he's very tall. He's a really big dog.

I hope it is something that can be treated x

OP posts:
heartbroken2021 · 07/07/2021 10:38

@babyboy20

He is being seen by the vet at 2.15 today. He isn't overweight he's very tall. He's a really big dog.

I hope it is something that can be treated x

I'll tell you what our behaviour vet said to me, your dog doesn't need to bite to be a danger. And also only you know your dog best. You know how much anguish he is in. Discuss all options with your vet. But a 10year old dog that's lunging at the owners is to me a dog who had a great life but isn't mentally well anymore.
Happenchance · 07/07/2021 10:49

Nobody online can say for sure if this dog's behaviour is aggressive.

I don't agree that owners are best placed to decide if a dog needs to be PTS for behavioural reasons. A lot of owners don't know basic dog body language and they haven't done the years of study and CPD required to become a qualified behaviourist. Their judgement will also be clouded by their emotions. That's why this dog needs to see a qualified behaviourist, who can clinically assess the situation and make an informed recommendation from there.

XelaM · 07/07/2021 13:14

Shock Are some people seriously suggesting the OP waits until she is “properly” bitten by her Staffy cross and requires medical attention?! A Staffy cross once he bites “properly” can kill both the OP and her baby!

spinningspaniels · 07/07/2021 13:23

If it's new behaviour, it's probably something physical. I'd get the vet to check ears (hearing) and spine/joints for arthritis. Pain can totally change a dogs behaviour. Rule that out first and foremost.

warmfluffytowels · 07/07/2021 16:25

@XelaM

Shock Are some people seriously suggesting the OP waits until she is “properly” bitten by her Staffy cross and requires medical attention?! A Staffy cross once he bites “properly” can kill both the OP and her baby!
No, people are saying that a truly aggressive dog would most likely have bitten before now, not just lunged or snarled.

They're also saying that it's always worth exploring every other option before getting the dog PTS, as many health issues can manifest in poor behaviour.

This thread reminds me of an old episode of It's Me or the Dog - an aggressive American Bulldog (who I believe had bitten) was on there and Victoria insisted on a vet check. Anyway, it turned out the dog suffered from low thyroid which is a condition that's known for leading to aggressive behaviour.

The dog was put on medication for life but it massively improved his temperament.

Original poster
babyboy20 · 07/07/2021 16:47

Been to vet his health check came back clear but had bloods taken so waiting for those to come back.

Vet very much said it's our decision but did give us some details for behaviourist so going to talk with them now for further advise

OP posts:
Original poster
babyboy20 · 07/07/2021 16:53

Sorry hadn't finished vet said that without seeing his behaviour in action it's difficult for him to confirm if he's aggressive towards me or if it's warning behaviour. He did say that the safety of everyone in the home is paramount and sometimes hard decisions must be made and he doesn't think rehoming him would be the right thing to do but we are going to speak with the behaviourist first before deciding anything else

OP posts:
Leonberger · 07/07/2021 17:00

My own personal opinion is that I would never feel frightened of a pet in my own home regardless of the reason. It’s really not worth the risk.

Rehoming a 10yo dog with potential aggression or behavioural issues of a difficult to rehome breed does not sound in the best interests of the dog either.

tabulahrasa · 07/07/2021 17:14

“Been to vet his health check came back clear”

Then why can’t he walk for longer than 30 minutes? That’s not normal to just happen for no reason.

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