snappy dog problem ...

[mrelectron]

hi:

background ....
i own two australian silky terriers (male & female) both about 5 years old. they are well-behaved house dogs, and who also sleep on my bed. i think they understand i am the alpha male.

the problem ....
on two occasions seperated by several months - whilst the male dog has been on the bed curled up half asleep, i have bent down to give him a hug and rub my head against his body and head (which i frequently do, in other situations). on these two occasions the dog initially snarled at me, and then when i did not move my head bit me on the nose (ow!!).

questions ...
1.what is the reason for this behaviour?

2. is this behaviour symtomatic of anything more serious behaviorally or physically.

3. how best to get him back on the straight and narrow?

4. how should i change my behaviour?

best regards and thanks in advance
mark brand

[Dax]

This is a sign that your dog considers you his/her equal. It's a dominance/aggression issue. It can lead to him challenging you more often and eventually may even seriously bite you.

Step 1 would be to banish him/her from your bed. Get a dog bed set up on the floor beside yours for him to sleep and enforce it. You can still cuddle on your bed but when it's time to sleep he goes to his own. This applies to both dogs. Crate train in your room if needed.

Step 2 would be for mild alpha reminders. Make sure he/she is listening to you for commands - if not don't let it slide. Correct them with a leash if necessary.

What did you do when he bite you? I hope you automatically banished him from the bed - even the room with a stern NO. You should NEVER let your dog boss you around - that is asking for trouble later on.

Good luck - hope you get a handle on it.

[HeartSong]

Consider having a vet give him a complete thyroid test and run blood tests. Sudden changes to aggression can be a sign of thyroid problems especially if that dog has been fine in the same situation for a while.

[erdog3]

I don't feel it is a medical problem, we are talking of only two incidences here, both months apart, symptoms would have been consistant, slowing increasing over time.

As Daxariel has said you have a dominance issue here, your dog is 5, he is starting to get into some age here, do a little test, but be wary, when he is deeply asleep on your bed, wake him and try to pick him up, watch his reaction, if he growls again this is definately dominance. Has he started to sit in your chair? Does he jump into it as soon as you get out of it? This will all get worse, to the point of you being afraid to touch him, you need to get on top of it right now!!! What he is doing is telling you Hey!! Don't touch me I'm sleeping, this is my bed, you just move on over and leave me alone. Not Good. So you have to touch him more, let him know, Hey!! this is my bed, I allow you on it, but if I want you off it I can, see, and put him on the floor.
You have lost your Alpha status.
Has he been castrated, that could help here a bit too if not.

[sambucca/whiskey]

Well i agree it is dominance, I dont believe castration will help at this stage, as it is set mentally regardless, how big is ths dog? i am unfamiliar with the breed?

[Dax]

Actually giving it some thought HEARTSONG may have a very good point about the medical tests. At five, they can get Diabetes. Then there would be lots of factors including the amount & time the last meal was consumed, which affect how they are feeling.

But the original poster knows the dog best and can (or should be able to) judge if there are any symptoms of malise.

[MiPuppIRocket]

My seven month old springer spaniel was a real snapper. He would growl at you if you wanted him to move. He would bite you if u went to take something of him(sadly he isnt still around) he bit very hard to younger children. We decided it was a dominence thing and did everything we could to help him but he just wouldnt change we even tried him in a knew enviroment, but luck was on his side and we found a duck huntsman so he is know duck hunting what he was breed to do. I would say a dominence thing is your problem as well he probably doesnt no his place.

[Elite]

Sam, silkies are around the same height as yorkies (9 inches), but weigh a little more (about 8-11 lbs). They look a lot like silver yorkies, IMO, but I like me. I think they're cuties But then, for some weird reason, I think all small dogs are wonderful. There are a lot of silkies in my area, more than there are yorkies