Dog Aggressive Towards OWNERS? ?

Question

My sister in law has Max's brother, Zero. Zero's a pretty good dog, well mannered (aside from some jumping issues), but recently, he's begun to take a turn for the worst.

Erin has had this dog since he was four months old, he's never shown a hint of aggression beforehand. NOW, when someone comes to the door, they crate him to let the visitor get calmed and situated before letting him out. It worked for a short while, but now when he goes into the crate, he barks, snarls and snaps at THEM (Erin & Mike).

Its progressed over the last week into when Mike leaves, Zero becomes aggressive towards Erin, snapping, barking, scratching, everything.

Its ONLY in the crate, never outside of the crate.

Zero has shown his true side to Mike, and has actually been aggressive towards Mike too, but only once.

Now, Zero is snapping at Erin ALL the time when he's in his crate, she can stand five or six feet from his crate and he snaps and barks, growls, etc.

I personally don't know what would cause a dog to do this, I've never come across it, so I figured I'd let you guys get a run at it.

What would cause this, and what are the right steps to take?

Answer 1

Do they realize that by crating Zero it could make him think he is not supposed to meet this person, that he is being held back for a reason? Dogs are naturally curious, and I've learned that if I hold Max back on his leash or he hears someone in the house he cannot see he gets anxious.

I also think crating should be the dog's safe haven, not seen as a punishment. And although that's not what its being used for, the dog could very well perceive it that way.

I'd suggest they talk to a behaviorist and possibly obedience. A dog should never snap at an owner, ever.

Answer 2

The dog wasn't crate trained properly, and that crate isn't a haven, it's a torture device.

Remove the crate from the home immediately.

Instead of crating, baby gate off a room, put him outside, or otherwise separate him from the new guests... if this is necessary!

If aggression in any form continues with the removal of the crate, surrender the dog.

Answer 3

I'm assuming that Zero was being aggressive to visitors and that's why they started crating him. If so, getting rid of the crate isn't the answer. The aggression towards his owners is the symptom of a greater issue - aggression towards visitors. Yes, frustration likely is a component (but may not be the complete cause).

Your sister needs to hire a private trainer, asap. She should be able to crate him if she needs/wants to. The vet can probably offer a referral, or check www.apdt.com.

Also, as the first post stated, Zero could be sick. You don't mention his age, but I would especially consider illness if he is an adult and he has a longer history of appropriate behaviors. A trip to the vet for some tests isn't a bad idea at all.

Answer 4

I have some dog experience, but it has always been a Golden Retriever. I know they are more friendly and nice to people, but this dog was wild.

I think you should take out the crate because the dog does not like to be excluded with less attention. let the dog go where he wants and i think he wont have any more aggression. make sure Mike is there while you do this. if he gets to excited or mean whenever visitors come, but him into a little room or outside if you have a backyard. what i did what just put my dog on a leash with his owner by his side. make sure the visitor is not afraid of dogs and let him in. the dog should be just out of reach of the visitor and the owners should be petting him with lots of attention. after a while the dog will calm down and you can go about your normal lives.

Answer 5

It might be an underlying health issue. I'd see the vet or a behaviorist.. Just my opinion. Could be nothing,

Answer 6

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;...

Could this be the answer? If not, then they have not done the correct training, showing the dog his place in the pack, OB, etc!!

No dog, under any circumstances should be showing unchecked aggression towards its owners, ever!!

I have had some seriously dominant dogs test me, but, after the correct forehead to forehead discussions, that also ended because I made sure they knew where they stood in my social/pack order!

Hope I helped!