Why is my dog acting aggressive all of a sudden?

Question

My Dog is a 1yr. old/3months-Lab mix w/ some kind of husky and ridge back. He's a mutt! He is really sweet, friendly, passive, and submissive. For the past couple of weeks though he has been getting aggressive at the dog park (putting his ears back and lifting his lip and growling/snapping). He looks so mean! It's like he did it once, and it has been escalating. He is fine at first when we let him in the open area: running around, playing with all the dogs... then, it seems to always be one dog that just sets him off. Like today this dog was just staring at him, and he just started walking in circles around us doing the lip/growling thing and when the dog came close he started showing his teeth. Then, when the others dogs just came to play or walked by he starting growling at everyone! Even the dogs he was fine with a second ago! I DON'T GET IT! Is it an age thing? maybe trying to become dominant? Someone help!

Answer 1

This is not happening "all of a sudden".



Dogs do not have random bouts of aggression. Chances are, the dog was poorly socialized as a puppy, and the dog park is a very stressful situation for a dog that doesn't understand how to act.



A staring competition between two dogs is seen as a threat, each dog has to defend their own, and circling is a dangerous behavior in its own.



I would not take that dog back to the park, and I would advise you to have him examined by a behaviorist to see what the safest route would be to lessening his stress and anxiety when he's around other dogs.



Eventually, if you continue allowing him to become overly stressed, he'll snap all together and outright attack another dog. Its unfair to your dog to allow this stress to burden him, and is unfair to other users of the park and their dogs to put them in a situation that could quickly turn bloody, and possibly deadly.



Dogs just don't randomly begin aggressing towards other dogs. There have always been warning signs, chances are, you've just missed them. But so long as you keep this under control, and work with a behaviorist to help your dog, this is a problem that can be maintained and helped.



Also, is your dog neutered, and has he been examined by a vet for thyroid problems within the last few months? Thyroid issues can cause extreme aggression in an otherwise docile dog. But I wouldn't relate this completely to a medical disorder, a dog that is staring down and circling another is likely to just have dog aggression issues.

Answer 2

I agree with patient paws. It could also be that the dog is protecting you from other dogs...it thinks you cant protect yourself meaning that your dog thinks it is dominant to you/can boss you around (if stands in front of u before he attacks). Or that the dog sees you as security (if he hides behind you before he attacks other dogs) and his territory to protect. Most likely it is stressed out and you should shorten your trips to the dog park or make sure that your dog only socializes with small groups of dogs until he appears to loose this aggressive behavior, then try to slowly reintroduce him to the dog park in short periods of times. When ever aggressive behavior occurs it must be corrected IMMEDIATELY! Do not let this happen again or both you and your dog can be in a lot of trouble.

Answer 3

You need to correct him earlier, before it escalates into something serious. The minute he shows signs of aggression he should be corrected and the other dog. Enrolling him an obiedence class would help you learn what to do and how to properly correct the problem while hes young before it escalates.

Answer 4

Clear case of him assuming the role of pack leader and protecting his pack. All of a sudden...because a situation may have occured that even you are unaware of where he took control i.e barking at a stranger where you stepped behind him or whatever. If for one second he thinks the pack leader shows signs of vulnerability it can go one of two ways - he will try and dominate you or he will protect you. In the situation you mention - if you see a dog appraoch and he starts this behaviour - do not react - simply turn yourself in the other direction with him at your side and walk away. Then after distracting him and controlling direction you can turn back and return to your path. Each time he does this behavoiur repeat this. Be sure to keep a loose lead while you are turning - do not pull him and the pulling creates a reflexive response in their throat which makes them pull harder and become defensive - so keep a loose lead (go onto: (http://www.amazingdogtrainingman.com/ and type in leash training). by distracting and controlling direction- he is assured you are pack leader and relaxes a bit). If this situation occurs faster than you are able to do that, break the dogs eye contact by standing infront of your dog with your back to him (two messages are sent - i dominante you, i will deal with this situation and you dissolve the stand off with the eye contact) all the time - say nothing - then turn to your dog and gently but firmly grip him on the scruff of kneck and put your hand gentley but firmly over his muzzle and hold. After about 10 seconds, release your hand, say nothing and take your dog with you as you turn around and walk away with him on the leash at your side. This muzzling is one of the strongest signals of you saying: i will fight this dog if i choose - not you - it is not your place - i am dominant. and then as you walk away - you are saying - i choose not to fight. It sends clear role model and pack leadership. Be sure that at no point do you pull on the lead if he does, bringhim to heal, scruff of kneck and muzzle - if he struggles - dont fight him as this means he is over tense - simpley turn away and keep walking until he relaxes - then turn back around and proceed on your path. Do not get panicky or nervious - Iknow it'snatural but learn to breath calmly and stand confidently (head up,legs apart, hands by side of at your chest) as a dog can detect a change of heart rate 200 yards away and if your tense - he will go into defense mode- so you learn to relax aswell. He and the other dog will also be watching every move on your body - body language is the strongest form of communication with a dog. Once the dog has relaxed - try walking at a repectable distance past the dog again - calmly proceeding forward and then once passed the dog - turn around and walk past again to desensitize your dog - but only after you have mastered the being pack leader via turn and walk away - or muzzle, hold, release and walk away if situation occurs fast. goodluck. p.s male and female dogs reach sexual maturity around 18 - 21 months old - often this can cause changes in behaviour. try neuting him also if he is not already done.

Answer 5

He is taking over the pack. you need to correct him immediately when he starts this or expect problems.

Answer 6

hmm sounds like someone is going thru doggie-teens and sexual maturaty... i would take him to the vet, any behavior change all of a sudden is not good.

Answer 7

IT HAS RABIES