Behavior Modification Help Needed

[NewGrey2017]

'I'm looking for a behavior modification specialist in the Northern Virginia area.

 

Here's the deal.

 

We've had the dog 6 months. He has always had a bit of a temper. But lately, it is getting worse and not directed at our family, but at our friends and our kid's friends.

 

This afternoon he has snapped at my son's friend and my other son's girlfriend. These are older kids, 14 and 16, and they approach him very cautiously and with their hand out for him to sniff. He growls, snaps and lunges. We're going to start muzzling him when people are over, but that is not a long term solution for him or us. He has yet to make contact, which is the primary reason he is still with us. Beyond feeling absolutely horrible, I couldn't take the lawsuit that would ensue.

 

In the past two hours he has attacked "phantoms". He has growled and charged barking into empty rooms. This is escalating unfortunately.

 

We suspected that he was starting to view our house as his den and was trying to protect it, but he just snapped at my son's girlfriend out front.

 

 

He has snapped/growled/lunged at all of us at one time or another. He goes after us less, but our friends and family more.

 

I'd like to keep him, so hoping someone knows a qualified professional who can help us out.

 

Thanks.

 

[JohnF]

Snapping at phantoms or air-snapping is a sign that he probably needs to see the vet tomorrow.

 

"What Causes Fly-Snapping Syndrome?

Canine Fly-Snapping Syndrome can be an obsessive-compulsive behavior problem, the result of genetics or caused by an array of issues that range from eye problems to a form of epilepsy. The fact is, veterinary neurologists and other experts do not all agree on the cause(s), so the syndrome is generally labeled as an idiopathic disorder, which means the cause is unknown. The thought that fly-snapping is a kind of complex partial seizure is a theory that is gaining traction, but the evidence has not been substantiated.

The belief that Fly-Snapping Syndrome is a form of epilepsy stems from the knowledge that hallucinations can be an indicator of epilepsy in humans. Furthermore, epileptic seizures can cause isolated actions in both humans and canines."

[RaineysMom]

his behavior screamed epilepsy to me as well :( Sounds like rage epilepsy we had a beautiful German Shorthaired Pointer that -- after it was too late -- we discovered this. We could have tried treating with meds had we known (or all the vets/behaviorists we went to ).

 

https://www.whole-dog-journal.com/issues/7_6/features/Rage-Syndrome-In-Dogs_5639-1.html

[greysmom]

Yes. First, a thorough medical work up by a competent canine neurologist. Your vet might have a referral, or get in touch with your adoption group.

 

Good luck and keep us informed.

[NeylasMom]

Hi, sorry to hear you are going through this. I'm a professional in the DC metro area. I'm in MD so usually don't go to NOVA, but I have on a few occasions for greyhound clients and would for you guys. But I agree with others, he needs a full medical work up. I would try to get the behavior (when he's not directing it at people) on video so you can show your vet what is happening. In the meantime, rather than muzzling when you have people over, I would suggest gating or crating him in a safe place well away from any foot traffic/visitors with something like a stuffed, frozen Kong to keep him occupied. The issue with simply muzzling is that while it may prevent an actual bite, it does nothing to address the underlying reason for the behavior and can actually cause it to escalate because the dog continues to feel threatened or trapped. So giving him his space is ideal. If you are worried someone might accidentally slip into the area where he is, then a muzzle as a back up safety option does make sense. You just don't want to use the muzzle to put the dog in a situation that you wouldn't otherwise, if that makes sense?

 

Also keep in mind that most aggression is fear based so if this isn't medical (or a medical issue is only compounding it) then it's likely fear based so it's very important not to correct him when he warns you. This can ultimately suppress the warning signals, meaning that the dog just goes from zero to bite. The best thing you can do right now is give him space and heed his warnings by increasing distance until you figure out what's going on.

Edited April 13, 2018 by NeylasMom

[NewGrey2017]

About 20 years ago, my wife and I had friends who had a true rage syndrome dog. It attacked them as they slept one night and the husband was lucky to get a pillow in front of his throat. The dog drove him across the bed. 5 minutes later it was as if nothing had happened. This isn't like that.

 

The growling and snapping at us was classic resource guarding. That has improved to the point where I can pet him on his bed, pet him while he eats and we play tug of war with toys. This aggression is primarily directed at my kids' friends.

 

He does not like anyone to approach him from behind and when we walk, he often looks behind him. We just took a short walk (too hot for him) and he snatched a bug out of the air, so his reflexes/eyesight are keen. If he truly wanted to bite someone, he wouldn't miss.

 

I have another thread where I was asking about him turning "purple". I don't think that is related since a lot of other people have had a similar experience. He has had bloodwork and poop work as a result of his hookworm battle, but maybe something more extensive is in order.

 

99% of the time, he is a good boy, although somewhat aloof. My wife thinks he is protecting our kids and that is why this is directed at their friends. The charging into other rooms barking could be related to a noise he heard that I can't hear. Not sure. Getting that on film would difficult unless we filmed him 24/7.

 

We agree that this is fear based. I try not to correct when it's us but when it is a guest, I do grab his collar and lead him away. I should mention perhaps that all of the kids he has done this to have dogs of their own. Not sure if that could be a factor.

 

I'll get a vet appointment for this week if I can.

 

@NeylasMom We are in western Fairfax county. If that is anywhere near you I'd be interested in pursuing this further. Thanks.

[GreyTzu]

Hi, sorry to hear you are going through this. I'm a professional in the DC metro area. I'm in MD so usually don't go to NOVA, but I have on a few occasions for greyhound clients and would for you guys. But I agree with others, he needs a full medical work up. I would try to get the behavior (when he's not directing it at people) on video so you can show your vet what is happening. In the meantime, rather than muzzling when you have people over, I would suggest gating or crating him in a safe place well away from any foot traffic/visitors with something like a stuffed, frozen Kong to keep him occupied. The issue with simply muzzling is that while it may prevent an actual bite, it does nothing to address the underlying reason for the behavior and can actually cause it to escalate because the dog continues to feel threatened or trapped. So giving him his space is ideal. If you are worried someone might accidentally slip into the area where he is, then a muzzle as a back up safety option does make sense. You just don't want to use the muzzle to put the dog in a situation that you wouldn't otherwise, if that makes sense?

 

Also keep in mind that most aggression is fear based so if this isn't medical (or a medical issue is only compounding it) then it's likely fear based so it's very important not to correct him when he warns you. This can ultimately suppress the warning signals, meaning that the dog just goes from zero to bite. The best thing you can do right now is give him space and heed his warnings by increasing distance until you figure out what's going on.

BINGO!!