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1x aggressive barking and disobedience

My two kids (2.5 yo and 3 mo old) were outside with my mom.
I walked inside to get water, my dog Max was laying down (stretched out style) and he looked up at me when I walked in. He had my daughters little stuffed bear toy (plays music- but the sound was off). It looked like he was chewing it. So I said “maxxxxx”, and I picked up the toy, looked at it. It wasn’t chewed or wet so I think he was just laying on it. Then I tossed it in the toy bin behind him. He didn’t do anything, just continued to lay down. Then as I went to rub his head and say “good boy” he started barking very aggressively and snarling at me. He jumped up on my leg one time. I told him to go to his bed (his crate, a term we use all the time) and he did not listen, continued to bark and basically follow me as I backed away from him. He wouldn’t stop to the point I had to get on top of the table bc I was scared. He did not go to his bed, instead stopped and went to the basement (which he never does, but I’m assuming he went down there to disobey my command of going to his bed?)

Unfortunately I am a little nervous around him which I never have been before, he’s always been the sweetest and playful dog. An incident like this has never happened which is why I am nervous bc I don’t know what provoked it and if it’ll randomly happen again.
Some background info: like I said we have a 2.5 yo old who he always plays well with, and a newborn 3 mo old now. We also moved to a bigger house with a yard, 2 months ago. So a lot of changes have happened and with the newborn I haven’t personally been able to walk him. My husband still does, but I also used to and I also haven’t given as much attention to him since the baby has been here.

Also I know he can sense my anxiety/fear right now so I’m not sure what to do. We are taking him to the vet and then going to start working w a trainer in a few weeks (he has to get his updated shots before we can start).
Ex: he used to sleep in our bed with us, but since this incident I don’t want him to, so he’s been in the crate at night. He does Well in his crate, it’s always been a positive thing - he goes to lay in it all throughout the day. But having his sleep there at night- for example, would that make him more angry with me or whatever he’s feeling.
Any advice of how to be with him right now would be great until I get some advice from a trainer. I am being very cautious, and have him in the crate when the kids are up/in the room until my husband gets home. I also walked him yesterday as I read walking will help me gain dominance back. He has been listening to my basic commands of “sit” “stay” etc, and nothing has happened since however I am being cautious.

Thank you in advance for any guidance :)
Att pics of my boy Max
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828 x 1792 - 5M

Comments

  • I think you should just continue to spend quality time with him! Definitely sounds like he misses you but could he have possibly gotten a hold of something that could be causing him pain? I know moving into a new house introduces new dangers.. My boy gets snappy and destructive when he's hurting (gas, paw burn, etc). He senses your fear for sure but gaining "dominance" again doesnt always mean being the one to walk him. He can get that feeling by making him do those commands (sit, stay) at dinner/breakfast. That's how I worked with Mos when he was testing boundaries. Your man probably just wants to fall into routine and feel normal again! I hope hes not in any pain, hopefully the trainer can help you with whatever triggered his scared reaction.
  • Xtel87Xtel87 VirginiaUSA
    he just turned 4 this month.
    Thanks for your input- that makes a lot of sense, ‘wanting time get back into routine’. It has changed with covid and with our move and the newborn. I will keep doing commands with him. We have a vet apt scheduled so hopefully there isn’t any pain going on that we don’t know about!
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