[cheezit]

Hi, I have a dog that has become Very aggresive and I am afraid she is going to hurt my other dog. I have had Frankie for 7 yrs irish setter mix, she grew up with my fox terrier who passed away in Dec. I brought in a puppy (golden) and had a few rough months but seemed to be adjusting and even playing a little. For some reason things have taken a turn for the worst and I don't know what to do. She seems so angry and growls and shows all her teeth if the pup even walks by her. It is a scary site. Frankie always enjoyed going and playing with my friends dogs (Labs) but today she even showed her teeth to them and i got a small bite when i pulled her away. I am freaking out cause I don't want something to happen to the pup or a person BUT I love my dog and don't want to see her this way. She is not spayed, would it help her behavior if I do that? Any help would be appreciated THANKS!!!!

[CorkyMax]

No expert here! My 1st thoughts----Maybe this has nothig to do with what you think! Your Frankie I think is considered a senior now--if not, very close for sure. When did you last have a wellness check-up?
Frankie may be feeling her age and some dogs tend to get cranky in their old age----If she does not feel the best, every little thing could upset her. Maybe she has some arthritis or other health issue. If she is nipping/biting at you too now---May just be a health issue.

As far as spaying---I am prejudiced (against it) so will just leave you with this comment from net--and if you put the words: age to spay--in your browser you will find much on the subject. I just have to say this--I think you are heading for more problems with this spaying of a 7 year old dog in more ways than 1. 1st, it is putting an older dog under anethesia. The rest I am not going into.

Here is the quote from net:

Will may animal’s behavior change after being altered?
Your animal’s behavior will not change except that male dogs and cats will be less likely to fight, roam and spayed females will no longer go into heat.

[Marc]

I would have to question the idea that spaying wouldn't change an animal's behavior. Spaying (in dogs) is different than tubal ligation (in humans) in that spaying actually removes the ovaries. Mammalian ovaries release hormones such as estrogen and progesterone, as well as control levels of several other hormones released by other glands. The change in this hormone balance would certainly affect behavior.

I totally agree with Corky/Max about not spaying your dog though. You're putting your 7 year old at a lot of risk if you did this procedure now, and I personally think that spaying at an older age may throw your dog into an emotional confusion that could actually work against you in this situation. Younger dogs grow with their new hormone balance and adjust to it. Older dogs, in my opinion, could get confused by the radical change and turn more aggressive.

Corky/Max is right - the first step is getting her checked over by a vet. She could be reacting to not feeling well. I'm a grump when I'm sick.

[cheezit]

Thank you for the replies. I will get her to vet for a check up, I didn't know if taking her some class for behavior would help? I don't want to get rid of either one but am so nervous when they are close to eachother. Thanks again!!!!!

[german sheep]

I totally agree with Corky/Max and Marcs replies.

Every time a dog SUDDENLY shows a change in its behaviour, it is an issue for the vet. Every time a dog shows periodically strange behaviour it is an issue for the vet.

Have you noticed that she maybe has left a situation several times and the pup follwed her closely so that she has no quiete moment of her own?

The health and the "nerving" puppy could have caused the reaction to the other dog, and the bite as you pulled her away was a displacement activity. She always was in her aggression and the energy needed to go somewhere. So she had no other choice than to bite you, because your hand/arm was the nearest to her snout and a dog will always bite in what is the nearest to him.

Lessons of behavioural changes only make sense, when she is healthy. You always need to deal with the cause. Is her behaviour caused by pain or other deseases, this is the best help you can offer her.

If she is ok, well then yes, but take a serious look before you allow somebody to come. Be carefull who you call because in this genre the qualities vary significantly.

LG
gs

[CorkyMax]

Originally Posted by cheezit

Thank you for the replies. I will get her to vet for a check up, I didn't know if taking her some class for behavior would help? I don't want to get rid of either one but am so nervous when they are close to eachother. Thanks again!!!!!

You might find this site interesting about the Irish Setter:Irish Setter -- Profile -- Health -- Irish Setters -- Information for you...