male aggression

[ernies mom]

Hi all...I need help...Ernie is 15 month old neutered male, recently he has started to be aggressive towards men (not just strangers). Normally he is so loving to everyone, I'm not sure what to do. It started when he was laying in bed with me and my boyfriend told him to "get off"..he got this death stare on his face and growled and when boyfriend reached for him to help him off...he snapped at him showing teeth . When Ernie and I went to the feed store, the normally loving Ernie almost attacked the guy putting food in my car. The bed thing has been the most prominent thing going on. Boyfriend is fed up and I'm just confused. Currently we've tried to just keep him off the bed, but confused whats going on. Is this a phase with him or has he just decided I need to be "protected" I'm afraid to allow anyone to pet him on a walk, don't need a lawsuit... can anyone help?

 

[laurelheebsh]

I've never had a dog that young, so I have no personal experience. I think that young adult "teenage" dogs go through behavioral stages just like people. This may be a new fear stage, or it may be like you said, trying to protect you.
Hopefully someone with more experience will weigh in.

 

[RLucky]

Male dominence over other males? I've been told that female pups do better with male humans and vice versa. Like my female puppy LOVES men when they're around more than me :( But I haven't had to deal with a male pup at the age as yours is.

 

[Murp.mm]

From what you're saying it seems like he's being dominant. By not wanting to get off the bed he's shown that he's the boss and not you or your boyfriend. You have to take control and show him you're the boss. I would not let him on my bed when he behaves like that. I would make him work for everything. Make him sit and wait for his food, sit and wait when the door is opened and you always go first never him. He should never jump into the car unless you give the ok. These are just a few things you could work on but lots of people here will definitely be able to help you out. Good luck.

 

[ELubas]

He is maturing and feeling his oats For now, he should be off the bed all together. That boy needs to earn his priveleges. Remember too this is a guarding breed so left to his own devices he will protect it all-you, the car, the house, etc. Definetely practice NILIF (Nothing in life is Free) so for everything he gets he first offers a behavior( a sit, for instance) I would also have your boyfriend feed him, walk him, etc. so he views him as a resource of good things. And always carry cookies so delivery people, gas station attendants, etc can give him one and show him they are friends, not foes. If you lay the groundwork now he will look to you to determine if a threat is present or if he can just chill around folks. Good luck