Our tech team has launched updates to The Nest today. As a result of these updates, members of the Nest Community will need to change their password in order to continue participating in the community. In addition, The Nest community member's avatars will be replaced with generic default avatars. If you wish to revert to your original avatar, you will need to re-upload it via The Nest.
If you have questions about this, please email help@theknot.com.
Thank you.
Note: This only affects The Nest's community members and will not affect members on The Bump or The Knot.
I'm concerned about my dog's aggressive behavior
Somehow, my sweet, innocent little puppy became a barking, growling, aggressive dog. Over the past couple of months, I've noticed Tenley acting aggressively toward other dogs on our daily walks. It started with barking at the other dogs instead of walking up to play with them, then it became growling at other dogs, and tonight, she was growling so hard at another dog that came to say hello and she charged at the other dog, their leashes got tangled, and I was really afraid she might bite the other dog. I was so embarrassed and apologized profusely to the other pet parent. Luckily, she was really nice about it and said that it just seemed like Tenley was being protective of me. Either way, her behavior is completely unacceptable and I'm completely at a loss on what to do to fix it. I mentioned her aggression to the vet during her checkup in February (she was also acting skiddish at the vet and they had to take her into the back room to give her shots) and the vet brushed it off as "sometimes rescues just get aggressive." She didn't have any advice or suggestions on what to do so I thought to myself that maybe I was just overreacting. Clearly I'm not. I'm worried.
Background info FWIW: She is a 1.5 year old rescue that we adopted when she was only 8 weeks old. She went to puppy socialization classes, graduated from puppy kindergarten and basic puppy training. We used to take her to doggy daycare 1-2 times per week, but the facility moved in January so we've only taken her 1-2 times per month since then. Could this have something to do with it? She's always been the playful, friendly dog who wouldn't hurt a fly, loves people, children, etc., but now I am really concerned that her aggression is spiriling out of control. What should I do? I want my sweet little puppy back.
Re: I'm concerned about my dog's aggressive behavior
This is something that you need to get under control ASAP before it gets worse - I would contact a behaviorist (not a trainer) to help you determine your dog's triggers and work on ways to improve her reactions to them.
And I would find a new vet. I have no patience for their "rescues are aggressive" comment. But that's not what you were asking about
Well I would say for one, you need to continue to work on socialization and get her back in doggy daycare. Do you notice signs that she has become uncomfortable when greeting strangers or greeting other dogs on a leash?
For some dogs, being on a leash is very unnatural. I would also say in agreement with PP to contact a dog behaviorist to help you work on these issues. Some dogs are shy and when they are socialized during a time when they are uncomfortable, can develop anxiety or fear aggression if they are pushed to remain in an uncomfortable situation. Working with a behaviorist will help you find ways to train your pup not to act in these ways and will also teach you how to read your dog's body language to tell if she is uncomfortable.
I am thinking the same thing. If only her current vet wasn't so freaking close to our house. I'm glad I'm not the only one who that it was just a really strange comment!
It's completely hit or miss. She was fine, happy, and friendly meeting other dogs and strangers during our walk on Saturday and I thought she was finally getting over the aggression phase, then yesterday she was a complete meany. Overall, yes, I have noticed that she is becoming uncomfortable greeting both people and other dogs while she's on a leash.