Sudden Aggressive Behaviour in 4 Year Old Basset

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smirnoff_ice

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Was talking to a collegue yesterday who was rather upset about her dog. About a month ago he really went for another dog in a pet shop, which he had NEVER done before. She removed him from the situation and thought it was a one-off. Since then, he has aggressively gone for her mum and two sisters. Each time has been completely random, with no warning. He's also being wierd with strangers (looking at the funny, being wary, etc.)
As far as the owner is aware, nothing at all in his routine has been changed.
She's booked in to take him to the vets.

Do you reckon it's probably medical? Like a chemical imbalance? Brain tumour? He's the picture of health in every other aspect.

Any thoughts greatly appreciated.

Many thanks.
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Another can't really help answer I'm afraid but it does sound that either he has unknowingly been frightened by someone or something and this is his way of protecting himself so I hope the vet can suss out what's wrong; it's quite rare for dogs to change literally overnight for no reason at all. It would be interesting to see what he'll be like in the waiting room too. It might be something to do with confined spaces but then again, something needs to have triggered this attitude off. Sad to say, but if it is so unreliable there might only be one answer for him.
Bassets are usually happy go lucky creatures, at least the three here are although Legend likes to think he's the boss it's all voice with him; he's growling but waggy at the same time and you know he's only having a game; mind someone that didn't know him would think twice about putting their hands in his mouth but he'd be horrified if he did actually catch you.

Do let us know what the outcome is please.
 
They would be best seeking help from a behaviourist as all history and normal routines would need to be taken into consideration....must say...I have never met a totally trustworthy bassett...we have a one in our rescue at the moment, and we have had a few in the past with aggression problems and he too has aggreesive tendancies, and the 2 I bath/groom on a regular basis are both snappy.
They do commonly have medical problems that cause pain esp the lager bred ones that suffer alot of joint pain due to breeding, so they are doing the best getting him checked over by the vet.
 
Has she any reason to think his eyesight maybe going as we see quite a few dogs react badly when they have eye problems,it is quite scary when you are that size, to imagine being a dog and people bending down over you if you can't see well,very horrible!!!,also he could be in some kind of pain,all dogs react differently but it may sound like this as he's changed quite sunddenly.
 
Try reading books like the dog whisperer or its me or the dog, it sounds like the dog could think it has become the 'pack' leader and has to demonstrate his leadership by becoming agressive.
This may sound silly but it worked with one of my dogs who started nipping at strangers.
 
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