HELP

Hi Everyone,
I need help with my boy Alfie, he suddenly turned dog aggressive. He has been around dogs his whole life, plays with them, even when dogs barked and growled at him he would just walk past them as if they were invisable. Untill last week, he bit a dog and pinned it down, no harm to both dogs were done. I wasnt there, my stepdad was walking him. Apparently Alfie didnt have a reason to bite the other dog. Both Alfie and the other dog were off lead, the dog came running up to Alfie which is usually fine. Anyway everyday since then he has growled and acts like he wants to attack most dogs he sees. He also lives with a female dog, who he grew up around, and today he had a fight with her, and nipped my boyfriend by mistake when he broke it up. Im distraught!! Iv been so proud of him, and how friendly he is, untill this week,he has done a complete turn around. He has just turned 1. Please help, with it only starting this week im hoping i can bring him back to his normal self.

at his age,he may well be going through the teenage years and pushing the boundries,try going back to some basic training with him again,whilst out walking keep him on lead or a long lead so if other dogs are around you can keep control of him,whilst at home make sure you keep him and amber apart when you are out,how did they start to fight,was it over food or toys ??

I agree wth Stella keep him on lead for a while whilst out, firm and try and use the sit and watch me command with a treat when other dogs approach I used to stand in front of Vin blocking his view, not that he has ever been like that. But that method is so handy for lots of situations xx

I will buy some treats today and try it whilst out. Thanks, any advice is very appreciated, i really dont want Alfie to become aggressive, or end up with a muzzle it will break my heart.

Yes do try it, get something tasty you wouldnt normally give him. Obviously if he growls dont treat him, he will get it after a while, just hold the treat on the bridge of yer nose so you have his full attention x

It could also be that Alfie may be in pain somewhere, are you able to feel all over his body to see if he may be hurting somewhere ?

To suddenly become aggressive is very unusual, there may well have been some kind of trigger that wasn't noticed at the time.

I would also keep Alfie on a lead until you are able to get to the bottom of why this happened. I am sure you wouldn't want any accidents to happen to him or another dog.

Kathy wrote:It could also be that Alfie may be in pain somewhere, are you able to feel all over his body to see if he may be hurting somewhere ?

To suddenly become aggressive is very unusual, there may well have been some kind of trigger that wasn't noticed at the time.

I would also keep Alfie on a lead until you are able to get to the bottom of why this happened. I am sure you wouldn't want any accidents to happen to him or another dog.

Agree with this. Also if you have an older well socialized dog you could walk him with that may help

JStaff wrote:

Kathy wrote:It could also be that Alfie may be in pain somewhere, are you able to feel all over his body to see if he may be hurting somewhere ?

To suddenly become aggressive is very unusual, there may well have been some kind of trigger that wasn't noticed at the time.

I would also keep Alfie on a lead until you are able to get to the bottom of why this happened. I am sure you wouldn't want any accidents to happen to him or another dog.

Agree with this.  Also if you have an older well socialized dog you could walk him with that may help

agree here too, great advice