Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have a 10 month old rescue named Charlotte that I have had for a little over a month. She is a shepherd mini collie mix and possibly a little husky.

She is very sweet most of the time, plays appropriately with other dogs and is affectionate with just about everyone. All of a sudden in the last week or so she has growled and then snapped at my nine year old daughter. Yesterday they were just sitting on the couch next to each other while I was talking to my daughter and Charlotte nastily snarled at her. Two days ago she suddenly barked at a two year old who was petting her gently. I am concerned that she is becoming more aggressive and don't quite know what to do. I tell her no and put her out, but we are getting fearful of her unpredictability.

Ideas??

She needs a thorough veterinary examination to see if she could be experiencing some pain--there could be lots of causes, including an ear infection, a joint problem--lots of things. Get her checked quickly, because the longer this behavior continues, the more likely it becomes habit and harder to change.

Get your veterinarian's recommdendation on a behavior specialist to come out to the house and observe the situation and advise you.

This is very dangerous, and you need to act quickly, but not through punishing the dog. The first thing is to protect the children, and the next to figure out what is triggering the behavior.

Here are links to some of my articles that will help (free, of course):

http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&A=1761&S=1&SourceID=47

http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&A=2229&S=1&SourceID=47

http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&A=1661&S=1&SourceID=47

http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&A=1531&S=1&SourceID=47
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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