1yr old dog going for people

[TheWatcherok]

I've contacted a behaviourist and waiting to hear back.

In the mean time...I'm at a loss. My super friendly male dog started (a couple of months ago perhaps) growling at my partner on an evening when we were sat in the living room. Then one night he just flipped and flew at him. To stop it from happening again he is now in his crate in the living room or on a lead as I just don't trust him.

We had friends over Saturday night and he was very wary of them and took himself to his crate (I gave lots of treats) but he kept coming out and would be happy then just flip.

The only common theme is that it's always on an evening. During the day he's fine but then again we're not chilling on the sofa as a family.

Walk wise, he gets a lot of exercise and mental stimulation. He's fine with most dogs but again, can randomly flip and he breaks/growls/lunges. I don't think there's any common denominator with other dogs and I can't work out wether it's him feeling frustrated or threatened.

What breed is he OP? And how old?

Sorry just saw in your title he's one!

Is he entire? How often does he get fed?
Is he a spaniel? I would invest in a baskerville muzzle until behaviourist is able to see him. Also a vet check-make sure he isn't in pain.

He's an Italian greyhound and has his testicles.

Fed twice a day. Vet check is a good idea!

He needs a very, very thorough vet check - no decent behaviourist will even consider working with him until he's had one.

Roger that!

Good luck! A lot of the time when behaviour changes almost overnight, it's down to pain - so make sure the vet checks eyes, ears, hips, knees, paws and paw pads, elbows...all his joints etc.

I'd also want them to make sure his stomach is okay.

Is he eating and toileting normally? Is he okay after exercise? No pain or odd behaviour?

He's completely fine, no other signs. I suspect he is resource guarding myself. If he's not near me, it doesn't happen. I work from home so we are together nearly 24/7, which is why I always wanted from a dog and why I chose the breed. I now feel like I've probably done more harm than good.

Thirded. It's a massive red flag if they will see your dog without vet referral (as is talking about dominance / pack leadership / alpha dogs).

Make sure the behaviourist you see is APBC / CCAB qualified as literally anyone can call themselves a behaviourist.

The vet check needs to include a blood test so make sure you push for that.

Resource guarding of people is unusual and often diagnosed incorrectly by owners so do get in that qualified behaviourist.

Definitely vet check, especially look at stomach and bloods. Our very placid lab once went for someone completely out if the blue, the next day he collapsed as his stomach ruptured. Turns out he had been really quite unwell for a while.

An iggie!!! Definitely vet.

His behaviour doesn't sound like resource guarding to me.

If he's not in pain (which is entirely possible with such a small, fragile breed), it reads like he's scared and his warnings are being ignored. A growl is a warning and you mentioned he's been doing that quite a bit.

When he growled at your partner (before the first attack), what did you do?