Dog Suddenly Getting Snarly

[Garden Girl]

Hi all

I have two border terriers - Soap who is 15 months old and Holly who is 6 months younger than him.

I would say both are really well socialised and pleasant natured. Just recently when we go for a walk every now and then if we come across a younger pup, It hink it has only ever happened with a male, who takes a lot of interest in Holly - Soap will get aggressive with the dog - bares his teeth and growls, he has snapped a couple of times but never bitten. It has happened both on and off leash.

Does this sound like dominance, jelaousy, protection?? What should we do?

Any advice appreciated.

Thanks

Jaynie

[Her Majesty Dogmad]

Are both of your dogs desexed?

[Garden Girl]

Yes they are - as for the dogs that Soap growls at I dont know.

[Nekhbet]

welcome to the world of multi dogs hehehehe

sounds like you need to do some one on one work with Soap as now he is coming into a stage of maturity where he will feel the need to assert himself, especially over other dogs that touch 'his' female. You need to show you are the boss and that can only be achieved through walking him alone and then gradually introducing her back into the picture.

A good trainer would be a great help with this too.

[Garden Girl]

thanks Nekhbet

They could probably both do with some one-on-one time now I think about it.

I was going to get a trainer a little while ago because I am pregnant at the moment and wanted to address a couple of issues before bub is born - anyway we ended up putting it off for various reasons...so maybe its time to have another look.

Thanks

[Nekhbet]

sounds like it - remember too dogs can pick up on your hormones and if you never had 110% control in the first place he now has an additional thing to look after and assert himself as a big man. Get it done ASAP before the baby arrives too