Dachshund showing aggression

[whatthehelldowecare]

We have 2 miniature dachshunds, both (intact) males, one just turned 3 and the other 1 and a half. Historically both been completely calm, affectionate and loving dogs.

We went on holiday in October and they stayed with my in-laws. Know them well, stayed lots previously and never any issues. Whilst we were away, our older one snapped at my FIL and caught his hand. FIL said it was completely his fault, he picked him up awkwardly when he wasn't expecting it. I was slightly concerned but he was fine since and never shown any signs of aggression before so had put it to the back of my mind. On Christmas Day however he again went for my dad. This time caught his nose and burst the skin. My DH witnessed the whole thing happening, my dad had knelt down on the floor when he was asleep and tried to kiss his nose - seems like he's got a fight and snapped. Naturally there was a bit of drama around this, I was really upset and worried and still am. According to my DH my dad was completely at fault in what he done, but equally we cannot just move on as if it never happened. Since then, our dog has been quite out of sorts at times - sometimes his usually loving clingy self, other times growling at us and taking himself away to his bed alone (which is entirely unheard of). He'll still come to be picked up/cuddled sometimes and isn't showing any visible signs of injury/illness. We have a vet appointment booked tomorrow but just looking for some advice/hope in the meantime - any suggestions as to what could be up? Desperately hoping this is just something temporary which can be sorted out relatively quickly but I'm so so worried

I’m a dachshund owner, firstly you never disturb a sleeping dog, especially getting right in their faces.

but I can also also thoroughly recommend Sharon Alton at Perfectly Polite Dachshunds. She’s an accredited behaviourist and specialises in daxies

www.perfectlypolitedachshunds.com

Thanks, I've got someone recommended closer to home which means we can see them in person which I prefer, but thanks for that!

I am very clear that my dad was in the wrong, maybe that's not clear from my OP. I'd told him several times to give him space and go leave him alone but he was going back to him. I am kicking myself for not being firmer once I heard that he was growling but there was a lot going on and he spends a fair bit of time with my dad without issue

All the dachshunds I know are bitey and vicious and I know several - maybe 3 is the age they turn into miserable hounds .

Vet check.

Stop picking them up.

Stop sneaking up when they’re asleep. Some dogs have a stronger “sleep startle” response than others. My terrier has, and greyhounds are known for it.

Would also highly recommend Sharon - she really knows her stuff when it comes to dachshunds, I found her online training course so helpful. If you’re not already signed up I’d also recommend the Positive Dachshund Training Behaviour and Advice Group on Facebook - Sharon is one of the moderators and it’s really helpful in general.

Thanks everyone, had the vet this morning and they said basically what I and all of you have been saying.. it's other people's behaviour that's the issue on the whole.

She poked and prodded him with no signs of aggression from him at all and he's been better with us the last 24 hours too. I think he was maybe just ashamed of his outburst.

He's showing signs of a little bit of tenderness in his back - nothing that she's too worried about, but could be that it's niggling him and making him short tempered. Could be that my dad has picked him up funny once, it's been sore and he now associates him with the pain. He's got a course of anti inflammatories and pain meds to manage that and if there's no improvement in a couple of weeks we'll get some scans done to be safe. He does have to lose a kg or 2 though though.. so if he wasn't grumpy before, he certainly will be now he's on a diet 😂