We have had him for almost 2 years, from a pup, and he is a loyal, well loved and very well behaved. My husband works away quite a lot and he is usually used to him coming and going and he went away again yesterday and the dog got quite agressive with me when I tried to get him to have a bath yesterday (which he usually loves) and again he was aggressive this morning when I tried to put him outside before going to work. He was growling at me and showing his teeth but was also shaking like a leaf, as if he was terrified...
2007-01-28 21:40:45 · 12 answers · asked by anonanon 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
A sudden unexplained change in behavior like you describe and in a previously happy and well natured dog suggests something physical is wrong with him.Take him to the vet and have him looked over
2007-01-28 21:49:32 · answer #1 · answered by bearbrain 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Get the dog checked at the vets. Sudden changes in behaviour like this are often induced by an illness..often not even noticed by yourselves. If he checks out fine at the vets, you may find it is down to his breed. Collie's don't settle into their true character til they are about two and half, so can suddenly start testing their authority when you already think they've reached maturity. It may be worthwhile trying to restrict your dogs access around the house, and doing some training with him everyday. This way he'll know he still has the lowest rank in the house and stop trying to push his luck.
But i really advise a trip to the vet first. If he's not neutered theres not alot of point getting it done now as his behaviour will not change. He's gone to long with his high testosterone and he will have settled that way. When you go to the vets, explain the problem and they should be able to help
2007-01-29 23:13:26 · answer #2 · answered by wolfstorm 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If this aggression came on all of the sudden, as in, a dramatic change from one day to the next, I would suspect, like the person above me suggested, that the dog could be hurt or diseased.
If however, your dog has shown sporadic aggression in the past, I would say this is a behavioral problem.
But it sounds like this aggression has shown up virtually overnight? I would say a trip to the vet might be warranted before you consider any behavioral causes.
2007-01-28 21:52:54 · answer #3 · answered by maxximumjoy 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You have a confused dog. He is not adjusting to his pack leader coming and going and he thinks he is above you in the pack pecking order. You are going to have to gently but firmly let him know who is boss. Walk him on a leash for an hour and make him stop and sit at every junction. Do this every day if you have the time for a week. Feed him twice per day and, I know this is not nice, but spit in his food. It shows him you had first chance to eat it. Play with him, but reinforce you are top dog. Do this whether your husband is home or not. Good luck. My Dad keeps me in my place and I know my Mum comes next.
2007-01-28 22:18:01 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
have him tested for hypothyroidism which will make a good dog get nasty. He may also be in some internal pain to cause the bad temper but definately take him to the vet
2007-01-28 22:26:06 · answer #5 · answered by Big red 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'd take him to the vets sounds like he could be affected by your husband coming and going all the time. He could be a bit depressed or he may see your husband as the alpha and not you in which you will need to rectify pretty sharpish as he's with you all the time.
2007-01-28 23:31:34 · answer #6 · answered by sarahc 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
something is definately wrong with your dog, better get him to the vet asap, the aggressive behavior could just be him being dominant over you but the shaking and being terrified indicates
something is wrong, he could be poisoned or had a stroke
2007-01-28 21:52:43 · answer #7 · answered by Loollea 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
With such a sudden behaviour change I would take him to the vet to make sure he isn't in pain anywhere and that there isn't a medical explanation for this behaviour change
2007-01-31 00:25:23 · answer #8 · answered by MyNutmeg 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
get the dog checked over by the vet,He may have a pain.
2007-01-29 04:13:11 · answer #9 · answered by fenlandfowl 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
is he neutered?? do the dog percieve you as ALPHA or your husband??? is he from a reputable breeder who dogs have stable temperaments?? you could enroll in obedience and or agility classes Border collies need to work,, or do something they are not just for pets they need an outlet also,, is there a possiblility that he is hurt in someway or in pain... and it was not pleasurable for him to be bathed
2007-01-28 21:45:52 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋