HELP
I had to start full time work in October due to money issues and therefore she was being left for longer then normal but still having 30 min walk in the morning and about 1hr at night over the park with other dogs (her friends) my sister in law was also coming round to walk her for us midday with her dogs. In February she started becoming 'funny' on her lead with other dogs (lunging and barking) so we said to my SIL not to walk her for a while so we could work out the situation (they also smacked her for doing it which we dont agree with) She was fine with us but we continued being aware then a few weeks later she started barking and chasing any dog that was on the lead whilst she was off, so put a stop to that by training her and not allowing the situation to happen. About 3 weeks ago out of no where she did the same to a dog off the lead after sniffing it... and continues to do so to every dog that she doesnt know or only met a few times.... Been to the vet today with the problem and they checked her ears, and heart rate, and moved her legs, checked teeth and also ears but said she is fine and no problems. I asked if it could have anything to do with thyroids and the vet said that if she did have a problem with thyroids (which she didnt think she did) it wouldnt cause aggression. I just dont know what to do or where to go next?! will my sweet girl ever be the same again? will she be able to interact with other dogs again? Could it be that she is mentally board and by having a go and the other dogs its giving her a thrill? I honestly believe she would never hurt another dog, but the way she barks, growls and chases is scary esp since she is a big dog. Now nothing has happened to her (was attacked over a year ago but nothing since) PLEASE HELP |
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| Since this is something new since the move and lack of mental stimulation and a great physical workout, I suspect she's all wound up inside and needs big time exercise.......not walking, but running free, chasing balls, etc. I realize it is hard with working. But can you give her a couple of hours hard workout per week and maybe a day or two at doggie day care when she finds her mind again? |
| the morning walk and evening walk use to be running free in the park with other dogs whilst I was walking/ talking to other owners. She would happily chase and run with the other dogs until recently when this has started happening |
| My understanding was that thyroid problems can cause aggression. But there are some far more knowledgeable people on the forum who will hopefully get time to comment. I'd be tempted to get a second vet opinion though. |
| I had read that Thyroid problems could cause aggression and thats why I mentioned it but the vet shot me down and point blankly told me there was nothing medically wrong with her and that thyroid problems couldn't cause aggression and that I needed to speak to a trainer. I am happy to get help with a trainer, and willing to spend as much money on her as I need to but I want to make sure there is nothing wrong with her medically first and it confused me when the vet said that to me. I am thinking about calling another vet clinic tomorrow (the vets we use only has one vet and 2 nurses), the one I was thinking of calling is closer to home anyway so will probably change her vets anyway as they are closer and have longer opening hours |
firsttimerSOS wrote: I had read that Thyroid problems could cause aggression and thats why I mentioned it but the vet shot me down and point blankly told me there was nothing medically wrong with her and that thyroid problems couldn't cause aggression and that I needed to speak to a trainer. I am happy to get help with a trainer, and willing to spend as much money on her as I need to but I want to make sure there is nothing wrong with her medically first and it confused me when the vet said that to me. I am thinking about calling another vet clinic tomorrow (the vets we use only has one vet and 2 nurses), the one I was thinking of calling is closer to home anyway so will probably change her vets anyway as they are closer and have longer opening hours I'd be getting a second opinion. Hypothyroidism CAN cause behavioral changes, including aggression. It's not terribly likely, but it's worth ruling out, especially in this breed. Hope you get to the bottom of what's going on. Kristine |
| Indeed it can.......I should have thought about that! |
| Are you seeing any other potential signs of hypothyroidism? Weight gain? Thinning fur? Hypothyroidism can definitely cause behavioral issues. Oscar's fur was thinning, and he was putting on weight when we tested his thyroid. He also growled and snapped at me, the only time, ever, in his nine years. (And he's lucky he survived!  ) He's been on meds for a few years now, and he's never even come close to being "snappy" again - lucky for him!It's certainly possible that all of this upheaval has caused anxiety, and the behavioral changes are a result. But I would rule out the thyroid first. If your vet won't do it, find another who will. Laurie and Oscar |
| She hasn't gained weight or fur thinning, but she doesn't want to play with other dogs... happy just to walk around on the field next to the humans. She will have a sudden play and that will only last for a minute or two. She has sessional allergies, and is a very quiet dog in the house. So could it be possible she is missing all the training, and all of the 'normal' things that went on in her life and now she has a bit of anxiety and hyperactivity? Maybe get back into training with her, avoiding anymore 'unwanted' behaviour by avoiding new dogs for a few weeks and then take her somewhere new to be slowly introduced to new dogs again? Could she be doing it to mentally stimulate herself? do dogs think like this? |
| I don't think she would be doing it deliberately, if that's what you're asking but she might be anxious and upset due to lots of changes and that may have caused her to be less able to cope with other dogs. Rule out thyroid issues and get her back into her training routine. |
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