my 13 year old shih-tzu/dashound has been growling at my family members. Most recently, though she has bitten both myself and my 19 month old daughter. I want to know if there is something my husband and I can do to stop this behavior. We are at our ropes end, our next move is to have her put down. Can you help?
Shawn says:
March 22nd, 2009 at 01:21 PM
Has her aggression begun recently or in old age? If yes, it could be that she is experiencing pain of some type. Usually, dogs give a warning first (growl) before biting. Is there something specific that causes her to growl and bite? For example, picking her up, touching her or going near a toy or food? If your vet checks her out, and she has a clean bill of health, than she may be resorting to biting because the growling didn't stop whatever action she was warning against. Usually there is a reason, if it isn't pain.
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