Re: biting owner

In Reply to: biting owner
Posted by:  Sharon Kaufman
Posted on:  December 28, 2001 at 21:07:11

: I have a 13 year old neutered male. About six months ago, he started snapping at my hand when I went to pet him or move his food. Now he bites my hand when I try to pet him. He does not act this way with my parents whom he sees occasionally. He also started going deaf around six months ago. I have called a pet behavior therapist and she has given me some tactics..like not making eye contact and making him go down on command for yummies. He ignores me when I come home, turns his head and walks away...total rejection. We had a loving relationship up until,now although he was not very well trained, slept in our bed and ruled the house...barked a lot, begged at the table etc. Any suggestions to stop the biting. Thanks.

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Hi Sharon,
The very first thing I would do is have your Guy checked out by your Vet. There are a lot of age related problems that could be causing this, not only hearing but eyesight also, among other things.

I can tell you this from experience, I have had several older Terriers, and still do have, I know that it is hard to watch your Guy do this, but there very well may be a medical problem that you aren't realizing. I have some that are this age and older and this summer I lost two of my oldest, 17 and 16 years of age, and to see them change I know is heartbreaking. I have also just recently swiched my Senior dogs to a diet that is suited for older dogs and it has made a big difference in them and their attitudes.

Other than checking your dog out medically, I would just follow your behaviorist advice and remember that he is going through alot of changes, getting older.