2.5yr old - sudden change of behaviour

sayitaintcor

Hi guys! I haven't been on here for a while now... im gonna start from the begggginnnningg...

Roycie was such a sweet sweet dog when he was around 1yr old, he would walk with a pack and go to the dog park, everything was great and jolly.

Until he turned 2...his dog walker told me he would growl and lunge at other dogs at the dog park (dogs he used to play with) and unfortunately, he had to be let go from the pack... I noticed that also, whenever he would see dogs in my building he would do the same, he would do this high pitched bark but when were outside walking he doesn't mind other dogs - only certain dogs?

I also noticed he doesn't really like people in my condo saying hi to him (he growls, he almost nipped at one of them) or petting him but when we walk outside, he is completely ok with it.

But when he is around people indoors HE IS THE SWEETEST DOG EVER!!!! (cuddles, plays etc)

I'm not really sure what to do about it, I know some of you guys might just tell me to get a dog trainer but is there an alternative?


Thanks for reading! Please let me know your thoughts and adviceeeeee

Here's an updated photo of Roycie

Brooklyn

Is he neutered?

sayitaintcor

Hi Brooklyn!

Yes he is.

Brooklyn

It is very common for neutered dogs to go after unneutered. That's why intact dogs are not allowed in dog day cares , cage-free boarding facilities or some of the dog runs.
Was he neutered between 1 and 2 y.o? Does he growl and lunge at intact male dogs? It might take up to a year for neutered dog to adjust to structural and functional changes in their brain due to a lack of sex hormones. There are a significant number of male dogs who experience behavioral changes after neuter. At this point in time, most veterinarians are recommending obedience training and/or behavior modification.
As for growling at your neighbors and/or their dogs (neutered or intact), Roycie probably became territorial. He might consider the condo, the entrance, or even nearby tree he sniffs every morning as family property he has to guard. He knows the difference between welcomed guests and intruders when indoors sensing your attitude toward them.

sayitaintcor

@Brooklyn He had an emergency surgery around 1 and we gave the vet a go ahead to neuter him as well. I couldn't tell you if some of the dogs he growls are intact.

Also, I guess you're right, he's a bit territorial with everything in the condo but... it sucks cause I want him to be friends with the dogs in our condo, no-one can even come near us