Reptile & Amphibian Forums

So our family has had this toy poodle "Skipper" for 8 years..got him directly from a friend who breeds them. He has always been a really extremely loving and playful part of the family, but a few weeks ago my sister (26 years old) was trying to put him away for a time out and he flipped out and bit her 6 times. These aren't minor bites they had blood and torn skin whole nine yards. This dog wouldn't have even considered bitting anyone before even when he would play he wouldn't have done it.
We have since had 2 incidences like this and he will not even look at her and if she tries to pet him he gets really tense and starts growling. We have taken him into the vet and had every test imaginable done and have found nothing wrong..We don't know what to do.

Ask your veterinarian to recommend a behavior specialist. This expert can evaluate the dog as well as observing the interactions with the person. It still may be a physical problem. Some of them are darn difficult to identify. A behavior specialist will be aware of that, too.
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Kathy Diamond Davis, author, "Therapy Dogs: Training Your Dog to Reach Others," 2nd edition, and the free Canine Behavior Series articles at http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=SRC&S=1&SourceID=47

I agree with Kathy- this needs to be evaluated by a professional behaviorist. Yet medical issues still can't fully be ruled out. I know for a fact arthritis can bring on one very grumpy dog this time of year.
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Chelle and the rest of the crew including, but not limited to Kita and Taiko (the shiba inu wrestle maniacs), Adi (reserved and dignified tabby cat), and all 28 reptiles