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Miss Molly

Posted June 12th, 2007 by Katherine
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I have a 5 year old Lancashire Heeler, who is to say the least a madam! She had always been a protective dog but recently she has become more aggressive. She constantly barks at everything and anything. She attacks the post which comes through the letter box, if someone comes to the house she bites their feet.We have always shut her in another room when someone comes to the house then after a few minutes we let her through and she used to be fine with people, but now she is very aggressive towards people.

She is also starting to be aggressive towards us if we don't let her do something or stop her from doing what she wants then she growls at us and has even snarled at us and gone to bite us.

When out on walks she is a very timid dog and constantly looks round to see if someone is coming and if she hears a noise that she doesn't like then she wants to be off and totally ignores you. Some dogs she is ok with others she goes for.

We did take her to puppy training classes but things have deteriorated over time. I am very concerned about this behaviour and hope you can help?
Many thanks for your time,
Katherine

Comments

sudden, unexplained changes in behavior - look at health

Aidan's picture
On June 13th, 2007 Aidan says:

Hi Katherine, I've just posted a new article which would be worth your reading. Although it is specifically about the cause, prevention and treatment of food guarding there might be some things in there which ring true.

You can find the article here:
http://positivepetzine.com/node/119

Sudden changes in personality can often be caused by medical conditions. The legendary animal behaviorist, Bill Campbell, once published a list of something like 40 medical conditions he has seen which have caused aggressive behavior.

In all cases of aggression it is strongly suggested that you start with a thorough vet check from a vet who understands the importance of this step in ruling out possible medical causes for a change in behavior (surprisingly few seem to understand this).

If you can, try to find a veterinary behaviorist, that is a medically trained veterinarian with further recognised qualifications in animal behavior. A competent veterinary behaviorist should be well worth their fee, knowing exactly what to look for and how to treat it - whether it be medical or behavioral.

If you don't mind, I'd love you to report back when you have seen someone.

Sorry I didn't add much in the way of a training plan, but you have received the very best, uncompromised advice that anyone could offer without seeing your dog.

Regards,
Aidan
http://www.positivepetzine.com

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