Re: aggression towards my son all of a sudden

In Reply to: aggression towards my son all of a sudden
Category:   Aggression
Posted by:  Cheryl Daly
Posted on:  March 27, 2003 at 11:38:21

: Our dog is 3 years old he has always been aggressive with men but fine with everyone else. Lately he has been like this with my son. Today he bit him. He goes after him like he is a stranger. This has only been for about a month now and usually only in the AM. Most times he is fine with him and my son hasn't done anything to him to provoke him. I also have 3 daughters who he is fine with. Any suggestions??

Response:

Dear Cheryl,

The aggression your terrier is showing toward your son may be due to his dislike of men...or it may have nothing to do with it at all. Since this is a sudden behavior, it is likely related to something that happened a month ago or something that has been "new" in the AM for about a month...that also somehow involves your son. Please understand that I am in no way suggesting that your son abused the terrier.

I'm sorry but the best advice I can give you is to contact a behaviorist for help. Whatever is going on between your terrier and your son is best diagnosed and treated by someone who can actually observe them. Please contact your vet or your local training school for a recommendation for a certified behaviorist.