Snappy behaviour

[Dalip]

Hi New here but could do with some advice.
I have a 15 year old westie cross male and a 13 year old Cairn cross female. Both dogs were neutered at 18 mths old. I have had both from puppys and they have always got on and played together. Recently the cairn has been snapping at the westie to the point where we have had to move her bed(although she does sleep in his as well)out of his path to the fire. She did have some health issues at the end of last year but is fine now. Due to the virus I can not take her to vet so wondered if anybody on here has had anything similar.

 

[JudyN]

The usual advice would be to get both of them a thorough health check, including bloods, etc. The cairn could have health issues herself, but she could also be sensing some change in the Westie's health.

Alternatively, she could be reacting to a change in her/your normal routine, or even sensing some anxiety or preoccupation on your part - there will be changes even in the conversations you have with others in your household.

As you say, though, a vet visit wouldn't be possible right now, so the best I can suggest for now is that you manage this by keeping them separate as far as you can, and trying to ensure both have the exercise they need (mental as much as physical) and the house is as stress-free as possible.

 

[Dalip]

The usual advice would be to get both of them a thorough health check, including bloods, etc. The cairn could have health issues herself, but she could also be sensing some change in the Westie's health.

Alternatively, she could be reacting to a change in her/your normal routine, or even sensing some anxiety or preoccupation on your part - there will be changes even in the conversations you have with others in your household.

As you say, though, a vet visit wouldn't be possible right now, so the best I can suggest for now is that you manage this by keeping them separate as far as you can, and trying to ensure both have the exercise they need (mental as much as physical) and the house is as stress-free as possible.

Thankyou this behavior started late last year and my first thought was maybe she was in pain but she has not had any recurring symptoms(she had bladder stone & cystitis) since her last lot of antibiotics. I understand they are both getting on and we humans get grumpy as we get older, but the moment he get anywhere near her she starts to show her teeth and if he ignores it she snaps at him. I will add the westie can not care less and has a couple times told her where to go. I think I am more upset by the behavior than he is. They are fine on their walk together.

 

[norasta]

Hi !I am new too.I have 1 years old female.She can be very agressive to some people and kids.I i feel that she is very happy about it.What should i do?

 

[norasta]

Hi

 

[JudyN]

Hi norasta, and welcome to the forum. Could you start a separate thread for your dog, please? We will need lots more details - how long you've had her for, where she came from, what socialisation and training she has had, details of her daily routine/exercise, the exact circumstances in which she is aggressive - what led up to it - and how you have responded when she's shown aggression. Is she actually biting - has she drawn blood, and has treatment been needed?

Also, what do you mean when you say that you feel she's happy about it? An aggressive dog isn't a happy dog - it's a highly stressed dog.