Jack Russell Doesnt Like other dogs

[sam72431]

My boyfriends Jack Russell is really agressive to other dogs he is ten years old and was brought up hunting with other dogs and used to get on with other dogs perfectly well. He has been retired but now if you take him on walks and he sees other dogs he tries to attack them. He also gets the occasional fit when he gets too stressed or excitable. He cant take him to the vet as he gets really bad fits afterwards. The vets said that when he has a fit to leave him in a dark room to calm down as they dont last long. Any ideas?

 

[CorvusCorax]

If this has happened in his old age then I would associate it with stress (as with the fitting) and old age - perhaps his sight or hearing is now impaired, he is less able to sense who or what is about him and he is lashing out through fear and insecurity - grr, who is this, I'll get them before they get me, kind of thing.

 

[ChesnutsRoasting]

Some people turn into grumpy old gits when they get older

I send a prayer up everyday hoping I don't turn into one of them! Seriously though, I think he's just getting defensive as hes got older and perhaps feels more vulnerable. Terriers can be fiesty little devils and as a younger dog he may well have enjoyed the company of other dogs, but feels threatened by them now? Just have to keep him on a lead when other dogs are about and keep an eye on the fits. Good Luck.