Dog behavior change?

Question

I have a 7 yr old basset hound. He has always been a lil coward I guess you would say(well unless he's behind a gate lol) I mean a couple months ago the repair man came over to fix our shower and the dog just sat there and shook. But today the lil girl I watch and her grandma walked in while I was sitting on my bed(they always just walk in I leave the door unlocked for them) and he just started barking and howling and growling at them I had to have him calm down and show him that they were ok its just weired behavior for him he is scared of everything and only barks at the sheets and pillows lol


Could this be because I'm pregnant I mean he hasn't been treating me any different well he'll try and cuddle with me more often but thats a whole other story

Just wanted to state he did not try to bite he just growled

Well I'm 29weeks and he hasn't showed any interest in me or my big o belly well unless I drop so food on it lol

DaveSFV or whatever how do you know if my dog has been socialized or not he has been around plenty of people and dogs!!! As I said this is very weird behavior out of the blue he wasn't being territorial he immediately stopped when I told him too and sniffed the girl and when to go lay back down

Answer 1

well, he is an older dog. So sometimes older dogs get more territorial than younger ones do. Plus sometimes eye sight and hearing can be of loss if it is an older dog. Since my dog has gotten older, hes been more pretective of me and my family. Plus, when i had a friend over she came out of the bathroom ( she had been there all night) and he ran up to her and started barking and growling, since it was night and he couldnt see cuz he was loosing his sight. ( and he is NOT at all an aggressive dog ) its all just because he doesn't want anything to happen to any one in his "pack" that means you. It may have something to do with your pregnancy but i highly dout it. It might though dogs are so smart sometimes. But i think its just him getting older. hope this helps!

good luck with your doggie and the new baby!

=)

Answer 2

Your dog's behavior is the result of it never being socialized nor trained to be reliable. Typical behavior. Your dog is not protecting you as you have not trained it to do that. The behavior with grandma and little girl sounds like territorial behavior and this is not learned behavior, it is instinctive. It was defending its territory and you were the territory. This is not a good situation. You should enroll yourself and the dog in a good obedience class and learn about dog behavior and how to teach and socialize your dog.

Answer 3

Dogs are very sensitive and do know when a woman is pregnant. He knows a new addition to the family is on the way, so his instinct is to protect. When the baby comes I know you will have your hands full. , but continue showing love and affection to the dog and let him know that he is still a big part of the family and he will be ok.

Answer 4

he could be protecting you. my lab acted differently toward me when i was pregnant. it's important that you correct this aggressive behavior now or it'll get worse & you dont want an aggressive dog around a newborn... (course i realize you already knew that)