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Dog aggression

I have a 5 year old miniature schnauzer who means the world to me. Sadly, our area is changing, and he has been attacked three times by different dogs off the leash. Thankfully we got help each time and he is okay. When he was attacked, he didn’t even try to fight back, he actually sat down behind me; strange. Now that he is older, I notice he is aggressive toward strangers (people). He is really unpredictable. We cannot take him into pet supply stores or out around people. He even growls in the car at people with window closed. Yet he NEVER aggressive toward other dogs. What does this mean? How do we help him? Is it something we are doing? I really need some advice and fast. Thank you all for your help.

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Answer #1

some dogs are just “built that way”… and Terriers seem to get that way more as they age, than other breeds. Does he rush out, and start barking (chargine people)? Or does he start out ok, and then…as if he had asudden realization that “hey, I don’t know you”…and THEN snaps? If it’s the first…that is aggression…if it’s the second, it’s fear aggression…Unfortunately, a bite from either type of aggression feels the same, and has the same consequences…Fear aggression is the hardest to pinpoint…so ask strangers NOT to pet your dog…they don’t need to, and it’s really just showing respect for another living creature to keep their hands to themselves. (Would you like strangers petting you?)… :)

If he’s being truly aggressive (charging)…then he’s not too old for obedience class…you need to be in control of him…and obedience will give you the power (in HIS eyes) you need, to do that.

Also…get him to the Vet for a health check…anytime a dog’s demeanor takes a sudden change, then there may be something physical going on…

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Answer #2

Thank you so much phrannie for your help. I think its seems more like fear agression to me. He often sniffs and then barks so ithink he is just realizing he doesn’t know people. Im going to get him checked out by the vet, and may stand over them next time he goes to the groomers in case they are hurting him!

Answer #3

That is odd, maybe from all the attacks he feels threaten , even though he’s ok with other dogs. Is there any damage from the attacks, maybe he’s in pain ?, that or maybe he had a bad experience with the vets thats turned him off strangers.

Answer #4

We got him at three months from a pet shop. We all in my house love him dearly we would never hit him! I really dont understand it :( He does not deal with strangers well

Answer #5

Wesrfort thankyou also for insight about the veterianarin or groomeres. I never thought of that

Answer #6

Is it to just men, just women ?, could he be abused without your knowledge ?

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