...oh no

[Alexa's~Mom]

Just when I thought things with Alexa were good.

She bit my dad today, really hard. When his hand got too close to the bone she was chewing on.

She has NEVER been food agressive before. If anything, she's been food passive. She's always let anyone touch her food, take it away, give it to her, she's even let the cats in to it. And then tonight, I couldn't even touch her without her snarling at me. And she NEVER gets like that with me.

Bah... My boyfriend and my mom think that she got really snarly over the bone because she hasn't been eating. We got her on new food, and she's so far been loving it, gained more weight, yay, but lately, she hasn't been eating it. Not like she should anyway. She's always eating at least 2 1/2 cups of food a day, in 3 sittings. Now, maybe 1 cup.

I've also been trying to get a urine sample from her to take into the vet because her bladder control still hasn't really kicked in yet, so i'm getting her checked for infections again.

And on a lighter note, i'm making her a halloween costume, yay!

 

[Alexa's~Mom]

bump?

 

[Chul3l3ies1126]

Yea, I suggest you go to the veterinarian's office or to a professional trainer. Any dog that bites one of the family and even more so it's true owner (you) there is a serious problem. I personally would never allow a dog that has snapped at me or bit one of the family stay in my home until they are tested trained etc. That is a serious loss of respect for the one who gives them shelter and food to eat, in other words, they are trying to claim that they are the ones in charge... and they are not, you are (keep that in mind). I'm sorry this has happened. Let me know what you decide.

 

[CanadianK9]

I agree with chul, you should view this as NOT acceptable, and get a consultation

 

[Rubylove]

You do need to get some professional advice on this problem. A dog that bites once will bite again, and next time it will probably be in a situation that is not so acceptable to you. It is never acceptable for your dog to guard food or toys (or anything) and most certainly never acceptable for your dog to bite – for whatever reason. Dogs can become frustrated and selfish and behave badly like everyone else, and like us they need to be taught the correct ways to behave. However that is the limit to which they can be compared to us, and so we need to learn to understand the motivations behind their behaviour and what makes them do what they do. There are some fantastic books out there that you should read, they really do open up a whole new world.

But this is not something you should brush off or leave to work out on it’s own. It won’t, and you’ll be stuck with a dog who you can never fully trust not to bite again, which can only lead to grief later on. You might think professional help is expensive, but it’s nothing compared to the expense you will incur if your dog bites someone else.

 

[squirtsmom]

HJman aggression is never a good thing. Good to start with the vet. Maybe she is sick, and it just hasn't pre sented itself yet. Good luck.

 

[Alexa's~Mom]

Yeah, I was worried this might happen. Her mom, the lab, had aggressive tendencies.

I'll be getting her some professional training a.s.a.p. As well as another visit to the vet. Is it possible she could have gotten agressive because she wasnt feeling good? Because today, no problems with her in that department, she seemed depressed. She wouldn't even eat. And then two minutes ago, eeeeverything came back up. It's weird, her vomit is full of mucus. Is it possible that her sinuses might be draining into her stomach?

She hasn't been eating right, and its bothering me. She won't even have something to drink now..

 

[Rubylove]

Yes it is possible - it's called a post-nasal drip and can also cause a cough. Also, if there is mucous that is coming up and then is swallowed, then it will also get into the stomach. Although there are many other disorders that can cause mucous in vomitus so it's very important she get a vet check as soon as you can manage. It might explain why she lashed out with a bite when frustrated - dogs feel these emotions of course. However, even if she was feeling unwell and unhappy, biting is NEVER an acceptable response. She's just a pup - now is the time to treat these things.

Also, don't beat yourself up. Just because her mother had aggressive tendencies doesn't mean your pup is automatically going to have them, too. But the risk is there, and it needs to be addressed. Good on you for looking into it properly.

 

[sglord]

I believe it's best to send your dog to the vet for a check just in case. Your dog might be sick, therefore feeling weak, depress or easily annoyed(being aggressive).

 

[Doberluv]

Following is a link to another similar situation. If you do a search, you'll find others. This is only some Internet advice. It's not perfect because each situation will vary, but it's a start. You should really seek the help of a certified behaviorist who uses posititive reinforcement methods, never use punishment to treat aggression.

This, in my opinion is not related to dominance or a dog who is trying to be "in charge." This is a dog who hasn't learned or been conditioned to the fact that her owners or humans are to be trusted around her food. It is natural for a dog to highy value their food. Any dog or wild canine will defend their food. It doesn't matter who's in charge. It's acceptable in a pack of wolves for any wolf to defend his food against any wolf, regardless of hierarchy. If it weren't normal and acceptable, the wolf would starve, not reproduce and the specie would become extinct. So, this is not about who's in charge. It's about teaching your dog that you are not a threat if you come near her food, that you are in fact the provider of all good things. You control her resources. That's what makes a leader.

http://www.chazhound.com/forums/showthread.php?t=37768&highlight=food+aggression