Dog getting grumpier and snappier with age

[vivhewe]

I know it happens but my dog is 6 and lately is turning into a right little madam!

On Sunday she started a fight over some horse sh:t (there is a field full of the damn stuff!) with my Granda's dog, even though they've always got on. A few minutes and lots of kicking later (on my behalf) they stopped and looked at me as if to say 'What are we doing this for?'.

The other night she was cleaning a dish out in the kitchen as I was washing up. I stepped back (she was still miles away) and she set off snarling badstyle the little get.

Then this morning the cat came over to me for a stroke and she went for her.

When I tell her to go away she behaves, and any other time she is the perfect dog, but I'm getting fed up with her at the moment. If she goes for someone she wouldn't do a lot of damage but it's in the back of my mind that she might. Anyone got any tips (apart from shoot it

) and ways to divert her jealousy?

I think the world of her but I also want a dog I can take out and about with me i.e. when I go riding in the fields etc. Not a dog that has to be shut in and muzzled all the time.

 

[Basset]

what breed is she?

 

[Lynnes]

IS she coming into season or had a season recently?

 

[vivhewe]

She's a collie.

In reply to Lynnes: She was in season about 6 weeks ago (and luckily no, she isn't in pup!)

She's just confusing me - doesn't help with her being blue merle as everyone accuses her of being a wolf anyway

 

[mrdarcy]

Is this a sudden and acute change in termperament?

If yes I would get her checked over by a vet as there could be some physiological reason for her behavioural changes. Is she spayed? If not she could have ovarial cysts.

Otherwise you might need to reestablish your dominant position in the pack. Make sure you go through doors before her. That you eat before she eats. Don't allow her on sofas. If she exhibits jealous behaviour remove her from that situation and then isolate her for a few minutes until she's calmed down. Raising your voice at her will just make her think you're joining in. Ignoring and separating a dog from the pack is the worst form of punishment for them.

 

[cockergirl]

Is she showing any symptoms of a phantom pregnancy? Only it would fit within the timescale of her last season I think- I believe it's between 4-9 weeks after. I don't know much about it though, only it happened to a friend's bitch who went from being sweet-natured to the snappiest bag on earth.

 

[GinaB]

Does she get enough exercise as well? As collies can get very grumpy and snappy if they are not exercised enough as they are such athletic dogs. Although I would definitely take her either to a vet or a dog behavourist.

 

[nicknack]

I think I'd have her checked by a vet for any underlying physical problems and then referred to a good behaviourist. You need to resolve this problem asap.

Does she have any kind of job to do, even recreational like agility or flyball?