problems with doberman?

Question

Please we need your help. We have this male 13-year-old doberman named kevin, and he has some behavior problems. He's a very good dog but when you yell or order him to do something, he gets mad and starts growling. Yesterday, he bited my granpa only because he tried to move the dog's head a little just to pass trough a door (kevin was blocking the door) and the animal reacted like this. He has never done something like this. My parents are worried because of my 2-year-old brother, we don't want the dog to react like this again. Since it's an old dog, we don't want to gave him to anyone (we don't have anyone who could take him). What should we do? I'll take you answers as an advice so please answer. thanks!

some of you have mentioned that the dog may have arthritis. now that I think 'bout it, he can't get up when he's on the floor, we have to help him to get up. are u sure that the only thing we can do is to put him down.? this already happened with a dogo female we had, except for the behavior. she couldn't move anymore so we had to put her down.

no there's nothing new at the house. the dog just started behaving like this.

Answer 1

Take a few things into consideration here, the small child, the elderly. and of course the animals age. If he is about 13 years old, he may be or is getting senile, and of course there is arthritis. If he seems to be more active after standing for a few minutes, or is slow to get up from sleeping or being on the floor, chances are arthritis is setting in. If that is the case, the only thing you can do for a dog his age is to have him Euthanized. Hard to hear i know, but for the animals sake and of course for the child consider it.


Arthritis can be severely painful to animals, and they will not always show that pain by whimpering, crying out, etc. But if prompted, they will act aggressive even if they are normally docile.


Good Luck...

Answer 2

I got a couple of suggestions of possible problem. The bottom line is that your dog needs to see his vet for a thorough exam. I am suspicious of possible ear or hearing problem. He reacts when you yell and granpa tried to move the dog's head.

Then you admit he is having problems getting up at times. Could be as simple as arthritis and that can be treated. You do not have to euthenize because of arthritis.

When a normally good dog starts acting different then we always question a medical cause first, especially in a mature dog. Pain and illness makes people act different, why not animals??

So, before you make hasty decisions get him to his vet for a good checkup and let him know what has changed in Kevin. It may be a simple and normal aging situation that can be medicated and be fine. If it is a ear infection that is very fixable and would cause a reaction to noise and anyone messing near its head.

Answer 3

DON'T over-do it, which you are. This dog needs to realize first and foremost where the law and structure lays in his life, and that is you, your boyfriend, and your home. Having a fearful dog in your home for only two-three days and already trying to bring in a bunch of strangers is only going to push and confuse him. I personally wouldn't introduce him to strangers for a couple weeks. In that time, build your bond and command over him. Work on training DAILY, with at least 2-3 15 minute sections. I find it's amazing how much simple obedience can turn most trouble dogs around. A little structure is all many dogs need (and this is why some dogs prefer men over women. Men have a more natural, dominant nature about them, and for some fearful dogs all they need is some leadership in their life). When he is use to you, obedient towards you, then you can start on mild introductions. This should be a walk through a park with a stranger passing at a distance. Praise for desired behavior, ie calmness, ignoring the stranger. Correct for an undesired behavior. Growling, barking, hackles raised. Something as simple as a light leash pop and a sharp "uh uh". Some people say correct the dog for even looking at the object, others say don't. I'm on the lines that the dog is allowed to be alert and observant, but show no ill behavior. Once he is calm in the house, don't just throw a stranger on him. If he truly is so fearful that aggressive behavior forms, then he will probably NEVER be able to handle strangers in the house. I have friends that have known Luther his entire life, and he still wants to eat their face off. The safest thing is to kennel him or lock him away. Your dog doesn't have to like strangers, and if he is fearful, it shouldn't be expected. Training can only go so far when it comes to flawed genetics.

Answer 4

I must emphasize, the vet can help him a lot if his only problem is arthritis, there is medication that can keep him feeling good in his older years. It is possible that he could also have vision problems, which would also cause him to react in fear when things suddenly come at him. It could also explain an unwillingness to respond to commands. The biggest thing is to take him to the vet, and to keep dog and toddler apart. Given the choice, I would say that no household would have a dog and children under five, it makes me nervous. That said, if you already have a dog, of course you should keep him. He has a fighting chance, especially since this is new, obviously it's not in his nature, more in his situation.

Answer 5

He is old and may be in pain. Like arthritis or he could have dementia. The best thing you can do for the dog is take him to the vet and ask the vet run some test. He is a big dog and old for his size.

He may need some pain pills or even need to be put down, depending on his health.

Good Luck and Take Care

Answer 6

Is it possable that there is a new element in the house that the dog is not use to? (person.rearangement of his sourndings, is he being treated differently for any reasonbecouse of hosehold changes) If you cant find the answer here maby you should take him to the vet.It could be that he is sick. People as well as animal tend to get crabby when thay dont feel there best sometimes without realizing it at all.
Wishing you the best resalving your problem with your family member

Answer 7

Please don't put him down until you have tried all other ideas first. I have a 11 yr.old doberman and he has arthritis. I went to pet smart and got him joint supplements for arthritis and he doesn't fall anymore and gets up with ease. Yours may have been in pain and caused him to bite. Try suppliments and see if he gets better. If not contact your vet for a checkup and advice. Good Luck!!!!!!!!!

Answer 8

As sad as this will seem. Your dog is aged so I would recommend having the dog put to sleep before someone gets more seriously hurt.

Answer 9

the dog is gettin older would u like to be messed with if u was91 years old in dog aged thinkin the dog is watting to be left alone try to keep him away from your little brother if your brother does something he dont like he might get hurt really bad

Answer 10

older dogs develop bad habits lots of time it is due to pain he might have arthritis if so give him a aspirin every other day. remember its very hard to teach a older dog new things.