Aggression or attention seeking?

[goldenbear2013]

Someone please help me!

My adorable 8 month old lab has turned whatcan only be described as psychotic!!!!

He is well trained, goes tonpuppy class where most of the time is the star pupil and out on walks he is very good.

However; of an evening its a different story altogether,

When we have returned from our evening walk he comes into the house and then proceeds to go completely nuts!

He jumps up at me growls barks and is now snarling and trying to bite me.

I have tried to correct him by putting him in the floor and waiting for him to calm down and tKibg him by his collar and put him in his crate for time out.

On taking hold of his collar he almost sunk his teeth into me last night this also applied when trying to get him off the sofa.

Now I must add he is only like this with me when we are alone and he isn't like that with my partner.

I'm genuinely concerned he has behaviour issues though we have done we should of and its not like he is left all the time, he is walked plenty played with trained etc and given down time so I can't possibly think why all of a sudden he has decided to turn on me in such an aggressive way!

We are due to go away for the weekend soon and he is being left with a dog minder but if this isn't sorted the weekend will be cancelled as we feel we can't leave him through fear his will hurt someone.

Now I know he is in his teenage years and he is testing me but surely he shouldn't test me like this???

Can anyine offer me any advice?

Thanks in advance from a very lost owner

 

[greendogwalking]

It seems as if he is testing you.

I would suggest reinforcing your position as 'pack leader' which can be hard as it may be a big change for you and him but it's very important in the long run.

Here are some ways you can do this:

- Make him wait before you go through a doorway together.

- Don't reward begging.

- Don't allow him on the sofa unless you give him permission.

- Only feed him once you and your partner have eaten.

That should give you a basic idea of what you need to do in everyday life to reinforce your superiority.

If he snaps at you again, without hesitation, just put him outside for 30 minutes. It's really important that you address this issue seriously each time he does it as it could lead to something quite serious.. i.e if he went for a small child who grabbed his collar

I hope this advice helps and I'm sure you'll be able to sort it out fairly quickly, you just have to let him realise that you are in charge.

 

[goldenbear2013]

Thank you for your reply.

I have his lead on constantly and re!moved his bed from his crate And each time he gives me unwanted behaviour I pick up his lead without talking, touching or looking at him And pop him in his crate til he calms down.

He is slowly getting the idea and we have bought him a bednfor the lounge too which seems to help now he isn't on the sofa he has somewhere close to us where he can relax.

My trainer is guiding us through and one week in and he is a little better.

Slowly but surelymi WILL have an almost perfect dog

Wish me luck!!!

 

[greendogwalking]

That's great - it sounds like you're well on your way to sorting the problem out!

Good luck!