Dave becoming aggresive

[danhodson]

Hi all, not been on for a little while. Just back from holidays

I got a call from my dog walker last night saying that Dave has started being aggressive towards the other dogs and that I'll have to get him a muzzle. Apparently he has even been lunging at one of the other dogs. So first question - where can I get a good quality comfortable muzzle from? Dave hates being muzzled when at the vets, so the more comfortable the better.

Second question is why has this behaviour started? He is never aggressive towards other dog when I walk him, although I have know him give a warning growl if other off lead dogs get in his face or jump at him. We did puppy classes with other dogs both big and small and he behaved impecably. I know the dog walker walks Dave with 3 other dogs, all of which go off lead I think, so could it just be that? Strange thing is Dave likes playing with other dogs, he chases my neighbours Shitzu and Bichon Frise round the garden and they have a great time together, without any signs of aggression, so why now? I think I've had him 6 months now, and he has been castrated for 4 months. Is there anything I can do to help him? He is an only dog.

And here is a picture of the big baby, butter wouldnt melt ;D

[Deleted]

I'm at work so can't reply properly right now, but for muzzles Nicky on here sells them:

greyhoundgap.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=funds&action=display&thread=44981

or for other styles Jan's Gifts is good:
www.jansgifts.co.uk/list.php?type_id=113

Flint hates the KS7 style muzzles but is perfectly happy in the KS8 style one.

If Dave's on lead and the other dogs are running around him, he could well be lunging with frustration - the chase instinct kicks in and being on lead he can't do what comes naturally. Also if he's on lead he might feel a little vulnerable. A lot of dogs are much better interacting off lead than on, as they can take their own time and adjust their own personal space as they need to. Would your dog walker charge a lot extra for a walk on his own, or with other on-lead dogs?

It might be really useful, if you can wangle a day off, to go with the dog walker on a walk so you can see for yourself what Dave does. You know him best and you might find the answer staring you in the face when you see what happens.

[julies]

Would agree with Kay .. and one person's aggression isn't anothers



J x

[danhodson]

I did an experiment yesterday, I kept Dave on his lead while my neighbours little dogs ran around the garden and Dave was getting very upset he couldn't join in zoomies, lunging and doing twirls I think he doesnt like being on lead while his friends are off lead. See how it goes once he is muzzled but otherwise I think I may have to pay the extra to have him walked seperately. Which is a shame because he does enjoy the company of other dogs

[nataliesian]

Mak only has one offs with Gavin ATM but I'll let u know if I get a job and it becomes regular- then he could walk em together :0)

[danhodson]

God help poor Gav and Cris if he had to walk our two beasts together ;D
I think they still struggle to keep a hold of just Dave when he see's a rabbit, add Mak to the equation = flying dog walker ;D

[Melanie]

Maybe he could be walked alongside other dogs onlead. A lot of dogs (not just Greyhounds) would probably be a bit upset if they were onlead and all their friends weren't. I can recommend the 'breezy' muzzles, they're lovely and light
I hope you find a solution where is still gets to see friends, but doesn't get frustrated

[danhodson]

Breezy muzzle arrived Saturday, dog walker put it on him yesterday afternoon, arrived home to find that Dave has stolen the muzzle of the bench and chewed it beyond recognition. Think he has made his feelings about being muzzled quite clear then ;D

[kamkay]

Jun 26, 2012 4:59:01 GMT -5 danhodson said:

Breezy muzzle arrived Saturday, dog walker put it on him yesterday afternoon, arrived home to find that Dave has stolen the muzzle of the bench and chewed it beyond recognition. Think he has made his feelings about being muzzled quite clear then ;D

Ooops!

[sassbu]

Sorry but that has made me ;D ;D

Quite smart sometimes aren't they?

Sarah x

[danhodson]

Dave is too clever for his own good ;D

[julies]

And so innocent looking LOL Welcome to greyhounds