What can cause random aggression in a dog?
I have this pit/bulldog mix that I frequently sit, but this is the first time I've noticed a slight change in his behavior. This time around he's randomly becoming aggressive when my roommate comes home, or when he sees my cats he will give chase and looks ready to kill them. He's never paid any mind to my roommate before, or my cats, but now he growls and barks loudly at random. One day my roommate comes home--no reaction. Then later in the day, he will go ballistic. I've raised dozens of litters of dogs and trained them, but I've never quite had an issue like this. I dont know what could be triggering him, but its getting to the point where I'm afraid to leave, or even sleep, without the dog locked in a kennel for fear he will hurt my roommate or my cats.
He is very sweet with me, but that seems to be about it. He is a free roaming dog, so being in a kennel is very stressful for him and I don't want to make his stay uncomfortable. I haven't told the owners yet, because they've never told me anything about their dog being aggressive--and I've never seen anything until now--so I'm trying to think of things that might be setting the dog off. Any ideas? I'm in a quiet neighborhood, he gets 4 40min walks, but usually he loves to just lie on the couch with me. He gets fed adequately, and lots of belly rubs. The cats will just be sitting on the bookshelf and he just whines and barks and jumps for them.
How old is the dog? and is he neutered?
Maybe he needs to look at a vet, any medical information, depresion or something like that, if you don't think is that check on youtubd, how to handle an aggressive dog, tip watch the dog whisper video, it would give a tip or two, on how to handle you situation.
Your problem is the first sentence in your post. I will not go into detail but go look at stats of dog bite fatalities on dogsbite.org
I don’t agree it has anything to do with the breed. I have a pit bull and he’s a marshmallow
aggression comes from all places I found out for my dog it was fear she would lash out at strangers sop I started to cover her eyes while petting in-between her eyes one of her favorite spots it calmed her down and let her know she didn't have to protect me. you can look up all the kinds
“I haven't told the owners yet, because they've never told me anything about their dog being aggressive...” I am a dog owner. If this was my dog, I would most definitely want to know what was going on with my dog. If anyone reads this, please let the owners know if there is an issue!
how's his vision? tunnel vision and PRA can cause a dog to become defensive or aggressive when they cannot see clearly, and feel threatened or vulnerable. It seems random- but the behavior can change with light and shadows throughout the day...
Alternatively, w/out seeing dog & observing behavior, it's possible dog has become territorial if he is there frequently enough... Pitts (which are terriers) /Terriers tend to be territorial in general- TELL the owners! changed behavior can be a health issue! = pain. Aggression is a danger to all