Question by chisainekocat: Older dog behavior and aggression?
My 9 year old chow mix has been acting stranger this past year, which I assume is due to his age. He barely eats unless someone is standing close to him, and he’s bitten me and two other family members this year. We dismissed the first two bites as understandable because one was when he disturbed while barking at another dog, and another I had my guinea pig’s scent all over my arm. However, the latest bite was out of nowhere. He does not have rabies as he has had all his shots recently.
I’ve been doing a bit of research and suspect arthritis may be a possible reason for this behavior as he is getting slower. Does anybody have experience with this or older dog behavior in general? Is this treatable? We are taking him to the vet as soon as I get home for Thanksgiving break. I am worried we may have to put him to sleep, as he hates going to the vet and would much rather have him pass away peacefully in a nap. Any caring advice is welcome.
Thank you for the advice so far. Just to clarify some things, he has never bitten anyone in my family before except for play biting when he was much younger, which he was eventually trained out of. He is eating less than he did several years ago, but I thought it was because he knew his metabolism is slowing down as his body shape isn’t much different…is this possible? Also, since the last bite, no one wants to handle my dog…how do I approach him safely?

Best answer:

Answer by Gwyneth
Well, some of my dogs behave BADLY. Spend time with him/her. Or train him/her. Research the internet, I’m sure you’ll find some solution.

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Question by bella57: looking for a good dog trainer who is experienced in fear aggression and is not afraid of a big dog!?
I live in the south suburbs of chicago, il.and I have a 3 1/2 yr. old black lab that was abused when he was a little puppy. He now has fear aggression and is afraid to let anyone get too close to him and pet him. I have a good relationship with him since I showed him he can trust me, but I don’t know how to get him to trust anyone else.I have had trainers in the past but they were either too expensive or they lived to far away and it was a problem getting him there because he is too big for my car and he won’t behave.He also has severe hip dysplasia and will need surgery.If you do not have compassion for animals then please do not respond. Thank you.

Best answer:

Answer by Santa I’ll be good next year
Hon, ask at your local Humane Society & see if they can help you.
As your beloved pet definitely needs socializing you will need expert help
Also there is Rescue Group that may be able to help you. I do not have a phone number for them but it is Best Friends of Kanaub Utah. Hopefully they can advise you and Best of Luck to you!

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