What would you do...pet related..

BeeKayy21

I know there was a post the other day about someone getting rid of their cat and a lot of people had opinions on it, so figured I'd ask some opinions before I do anything...
What would you do with an eleven year old dog that is becoming more and more aggressive? He just snapped at my one year old! He didn't actual bite her but growled, lunged and did the "rah-rah-rah-rah" type deal at her...basically biting the air around her and knocked her over. He did it to me about two months ago, and basically every person that takes care of him and about 4 guests. We can't groom him without him snapping. He actually has bit both my parents. Now, me, I think he shouldn't be here anymore because it's a dangerous line he has crossed and I don't have time to deal with a mean animal living in my home. Every "episode" he has is becoming worse and worse and I really don't want to wait around for him to bite someone.
We love him, for sure, and have had him since he was a puppy but pretty positive he is losing his mind. I think the safety of us all trumps this looney dog but i know some people disagree. I need all suggestions. What would you do?

PeanutButterFox

Have you discussed this with your vet? Maybe there's an underlying issue causing the change in behavior.

MrsT0514

Hawkward said:

Have you taken him to the vet to see if he has anything physiological going on? Does he seem like he's in pain or have any other new behaviors?

This. If it were my dog, my first step would be to investigate whether there is an underlying cause for aggression. Especially if the particular dog wasnt always aggressive. The dog could have a type of painful or progressive condition causing that type of behavior.

BeeKayy21

I agree with everything you guys are saying. And I almost guarantee that there is an underlying issue. The scary part is that 75% of the times he has snapped at people, they were doing nothing. He's just really weird and unpredictable lately. He is an english springer so by nature he is just goofy..but this aggressive behavior really makes me nervous. If anything, we would put him to sleep or give him to a local springer rescue. But I would definitely feel bad. I think the vet is the first step! Thanks everyone.
I actually know someone who has owned three in her life, all from different breeders and two of them started acting this way and they ended up having a brain tumors.

[Deleted User]

1. Go to the vet and check for underlying issues. 

2. Supervise and separate.  

3.  When does the dog snap-- being touched in a certain spot, being awoken/startled, etc?  Is there a pattern?

RondackHiker

MarlaSinger& said:

1. Go to the vet and check for underlying issues. 

2. Supervise and separate.  

3.  When does the dog snap-- being touched in a certain spot, being awoken/startled, etc?  Is there a pattern?

All of this.

I need to know more about the bites and threats to know what's up and if he's truly dangerous. The threat is actually good--like PP said it shows he has good control.

Do you know dog body language? What does white around the eyes/looking away/flattening ears mean? How does your child treat the dog?

What breed is he (yes, this is relevant so no one start thinking I'm accusing pup of being an "aggressive" breed)?

BeeKayy21

RondackHiker said:

MarlaSinger& said:

1. Go to the vet and check for underlying issues. 

2. Supervise and separate.  

3.  When does the dog snap-- being touched in a certain spot, being awoken/startled, etc?  Is there a pattern?

All of this.

I need to know more about the bites and threats to know what's up and if he's truly dangerous. The threat is actually good--like PP said it shows he has good control.

Do you know dog body language? What does white around the eyes/looking away/flattening ears mean? How does your child treat the dog?

What breed is he (yes, this is relevant so no one start thinking I'm accusing pup of being an "aggressive" breed)?

He is an english springer spaniel - super goofy, flighty breed.
He's body language when he does the snaps, doesn't show aggression to me. He wags his tail and continues on with his business seconds after. BUT he has bit before. He growls constantly. I guess the part that makes me nervous is the fact that his behavior and his body language and even situations do not add up. He is very, very unpredictable.

RondackHiker

Okay. So when was he last at the vet?

Can you tell me what the body language I listed means? I don't care about the seconds after the bite. I care about the ones before.

You say he snaps when being groomed. Have you had a pro groom him? His ears and skin and teeth checked?

What do you mean he growls constantly? Has he always done this? What triggers the growling and do you respect it?

BeeKayy21

We are taking him to a behavioral specialist and then go from there. Thanks everyone!

[Deleted User]

You should still have him checked with your vet.  Good luck. 

bensmommy518

My family rescues ESS and have dealt with them for years. Go to the vet. Things like arthritis, Lyme's, hearing or vision loss and a bunch of other medical issues can all cause increased aggression.

Because you said he is a springer there is such a thing as springer rage called from poor breeding. It doesn't sound like this to me from what you have said but it is something to discuss with your vet or trainer. Good luck.

RondackHiker

MarlaSinger& said:

You should still have him checked with your vet.  Good luck. 

And if her behaviorist was any good, he or she would tell her the same thing.