I have owned my miniature schnauzer since he was 10 weeks old. I purchased him from a reputable breeder. He has been a wonderful dog, loyal, funny and a great companion to myself and my live-in boyfriend. Recently, within the last two weeks my dog has lashed out at two separate individuals who he has met previously. He has barked aggressively at both of the, and jumped and tried to snap at the directly in the face. His enviornment and exercize routine have not changed. The only thing I can think of that has changed is that I am 8 months pregnant? But this is a brand new behavior. And these outbursts were at one male and one female, both of which were paying him no attention at the time, simply sitting on the couch having conversation. I wasnt even in the room, but in the next room over which leads me to think the pregnancy might not be the cause of his strange behavior. I am not becoming really concerned, as the baby will be here shortly...however i adore this dog. Help!
2007-07-29 14:17:26 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
I am NOW becoming concerned....(sorry the the typos, new laptop)
2007-07-29 14:18:33 · update #1
It is my belief that dogs sense prego people. I know that my dog did when I was preg., but lashed out at the other dog, rather than people. Schnauzers can be very protective and it's (admirable), how ever..... here's something you can try...... Take the dog OUT of the environment of the house and socialize him outside(controlled). When he is not defending his own territory(inside), this may help him deal with other people he may not see on a regular basis. Praise him highly when he shows you the behavior you are pleased with. Also, with a baby coming, you'll be needing some time out with your pup,....look into dogie day care. VERY good for socialization. Point and fact.... make sure you make him mind, and go overboard with his praises. All he is trying to do is please you. He's a schnouzzzzie!!!!!!!!!! Love them. Good luck, congrat's on the baby and take care.......
2007-07-29 14:32:42 · answer #1 · answered by Lisa C 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It could be a couple of things. First off, all dogs tend to change personalities somewhat as they get older - your dog has entered his "teenage" years - and teenagers are notoriusly rude. My dog started to act that way ever so briefly. Second, you are pregnant and he can be becoming more protective on top of becoming more irritable.
Is he neutered?? If not, you should consider doing this - especially with a baby coming into the house.
Finally, when he behaves this way you need to step in immediately and reprimand him. He needs to know, regardless of the reason that his behaviour is NOT going to be tolerated, in any way shape or form. Don't "force" him to be friendly, but he should not be jumping on guests or barking at them - you need to stop that behaviour. For the two people that you know he is having issues with. Put him on a leash when they are over - that way you can restain him and get to him quickly should he react that way again. I would tell these people that - under no uncertain terms, that they are to ignore the dog - they are not to try and make friends, they are not to touch or talk to the dog. Perhaps they did something while you were out of the room - maybe tried to pick him up? Maybe moved suddenly towards him? Who knows, but something they did may have set him off (it still shouldn't be tolerated, but it could explain why he behaved that way).
I would also call the vet, many times they can recommend a behaviourist who isn't a crack-pot to come and assess the situation.
2007-07-29 21:33:57 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
First stop, the vet to rule out any medical issues that could be causing this behavior.
If everything checks out clear at the vet, then your next course of action should be to consult with a behaviorist.
People here can offer tips and such, but without actually seeing the dog, the events that have happened already, and a baby on the way, it would be wiser to deal with someone who can come and physically see your dog.
2007-07-29 21:38:33 · answer #3 · answered by Bindi *dogtrainingbyjess.com* 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The only time any of my dogs had a sudden behavior change it turned out they were sick. An ear infection, one was actually starting to loose her eye sight. Your dog is young so it shouldn't be his eye sight. You may have to start putting him on a leash when you have guests and keep him at your side. If he starts to lash out just give the leash a quick slight tug and make a sharp sound, this should break the habit depending on how often you do it. Good luck
2007-07-29 21:27:52 · answer #4 · answered by snakenhunter 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Have you completed puppy kindgarden classes (socialization) and followed up with obedience classes?
Is he neutered?
I would start with a MI State thyroid panel (no other test!)
If the thyroid is out of whack, that can cause serious behavior problems.
I would be VERY concerned about this behavior with a new baby on the way!
2007-07-29 21:29:39 · answer #5 · answered by Wyandotte Hen 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
he may be feeling protective of you. or he might be having issues with his order in your family pack. he could also be sick with an internal problem that seems symptomless. regardless, the behavior is unacceptable, and needs to be addressed before your baby arrives. the new baby's arrival will only be one more thing for your dog to freak out about. please stop this behavior before it escalates.
it's very sad, but many dogs wind up becoming "a nuisance" when a new baby arrives, and their humans will wind up putting them outside or segregating them from the family (absolute torture for a pack animal.) this can make a dog depressed, frustrated, and resentful, which only makes the situation worse.
first, take him to the vet to get a check up to eliminate any medical issues.
in addition, please take him to dog training classes asap. if he has already been to training, take a refresher course. go with your boyfriend, or have your boyfriend take him without you, and you can practice with him together during home study.
best of luck :)
2007-07-29 21:38:13 · answer #6 · answered by Erika 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Since you purchased him from a reputable breeder (good job), you should contact him or her. This is one of the best, most invaluable sources available to you. This person knows the breed's quirks, knows your dogs specific line and its quirks, knows your pup's parents, she's probably spoken to many puppy owners through the years and she knows best how to train the breed.
If anyone know what to do, that's who.
2007-07-29 21:47:29 · answer #7 · answered by Cleoppa 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
he is mosts likely jealous. give him losts of attion and he will be fine also before you bring the baby home bring his/her blankets or clothing so he can get used to her smell, also when some one else is holding the baby give him lots of love and when you are try and pet him with one hand or have some one else pet him. it is very normal and many dogs do thing when there owner is expecting. I also had a mini schnauzer when i was very little (almost two) and never got hurt just watch him around the baby.
2007-07-29 21:29:49 · answer #8 · answered by Dory the Fish 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Mine did the same thing too. It got so bad we had to give him away. maybe its just the breed
2007-07-29 21:40:26 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋