barking/biting bitch

[bananie]

I have a 1 year old GS/BullMastiff x bitch. She is usually quite docile, however has become rather more aggressive lately. She barks at everyone when walking on the lead and even bit someone the other day. Luckily, he didn't want to press charges. I am worried. I have socialised her and until last week she was walking freely on the beach, playing with other dogs and generally being nice and playful. I appreciate she is rather large and this can be intimidating to people. What should I do?? She has a harness and now has a muzzle. Would having her dressed help? I thought this made bitches more aggressive. Any info would be much appreciated.

[Illyria54]

Having her spayed may calm her down a bit, is she due a season, perhaps that is why she is a bit aggressive at the moment, is the weather hot where you are? dogs can get nippy if they are hot, I personally wouldn't use a muzzle as it can make matters worse, she will feel really vulnerable around other dogs and may become more aggressive because of it, I would be more inclined to walk her on an extendable lead when there are people and dogs about, shorten the lead if you feel there could be problems, start socialising her again with others bit by bit, try taking her to obedience classes, this will socialise as well as you doing a bit more training with her.

[Illyria54]

Just a thought, I have kept German Shepherds for over 35 years now and they tend to get a bit 'testy' when they get to about 1 year old, it's a dominance thing, that being the case you need to get on top of this very firmly especially as she is obviously a very large dog.
Good luck.

[kita1]

The first thing I would do is to get her checked over by the vet. Any sudden change in behaviour like you describe could be due to illness or injury. She could have sprained a muscle and be in pain. What was the person doing that she bit? Were they stroking her? Maybe they touched part of her that hurt.

After a thorough check over by a vet (if they give her the all clear) then I would consider asking the vet to refer me to a behaviourist/trainer and get them to work out a training programme for you both. You really need professional help at this point from someone who can see both yourself and the dog and work through the problems you have face to face.

Without seeing you and the dog it is very difficult to give advice over the internet - especially as the dog has actually bitten someone.

With such a large dog you really need to get this sorted out at the soonest possible time, you were very lucky that the person she bit did not press charges.

What country are you in by the way?

[LoftyLottie]

Superstar you really are very tiresome, and not in the least amusing. Go and play somewhere else.

[alfieblue]

I agree with kita1, Illyria54 and LoftyLottie!!

Needs sorting, soonest. Def vets then professional help to stop the aggressive behaviour.

Hope all goes well.

[bananie]

Thanks for all your help. I live in Scotland and it has been very warm, so that could be a reason. Also she was only in heat a couple of months ago, so I doubt that would be the reason.

[kita1]

This is the best place to look for a qualified, reputable behaviourist/trainer. Many of them will only see a dog after they have been checked by a vet, or on vet referral (because some problems are caused by medical conditions).

http://www.apbc.org.uk/regions.php?area=scotla nd

I read about a dog recently (a lab.) that suddenly became aggressive and bit two people - it was returned to a rescue centre after 12 months of being a perfect pet because it had suddenly changed character and bit. They were about to put it to sleep. It turned out the dog had Lyme disease (on the off chance they tested for it and it came back high) and once treated by antibiotics has returned to its normal calm self and is able to be rehomed again - even the vets cannot explain how Lyme disease can affect them in that way. All vets are not aware of this as it is pretty new research.

There are so many things that can cause sudden aggression, it really is best to seek professional help.