[gurinderbrar]

1. My 6 year old german shepherd has been very docile till now.

2. We have another 2 year old very playful Labrador. He used to annoy the german sheperd alot but no more.

3. But now our german shepherd has turned quite aggressive, he bites and attacks the Lab, even when the lab doesn't disturb him. in midst of the attack, when i try to stop the german shepherd he snarls/ growls at me.

4. Lab is now scared and doesnt go near the german shepherd.

5. What to do? I am scared for the lab's safety. and I love them both alot

Please help.

[CorkyMax]

The first thing anyone is going to tell you is--Have your dog checked out by a vet----to rule out any physical/health problems that could be causing this behavior---May not be feeling well! Being a German Shepherd--your dog is now a senior and arthritis/ older age may have something to do with it. But you do need to take him to the vet--Any sudden change in behavior warrants this! And from what you have said--I have a feeling there is a health problem! If you have it ruled out as a health issue--then come back and I'm sure some members may have some things to say to try to help.

I hope your vet does not prescribe Rimadyl for pain control. Please read this link and the 2 links within it.-- Arthritis/Back Pain--Good info about the Drugs For, etc.

Some more info: Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency--esp. alert German ShepherdsAlso see this a couple of posts down in reference to Rimadyl: My dogs behaviour has suddenly changed...can anyone help?!

Attention-german shepherd/and gs mixes

[gurinderbrar]

thanks, i am taking him to vet 2morrow

[cigwyllt]

A vet visit is always a good idea when there is a change in behaviour. One thing to consider though - have either of them been neutered? It could be that your GSD is feeling threatened as the younger lab reaches maturity.

[lange]

I'd ask the vet to run a thyroid test on him too.