Temperament changes

[lurcher98]

Hi all, has anyone else had a dog who's temperament changed after losing a house mate? Don't know if its because holly has gone but my lurcher has become even more clingy/ jealous and is getting grumpier with other dogs.
He's always been a bit funny with other males but as long as they left him alone it was fine. If they started sniffing his bits and went on for too long they'd get a grumble but that was it.
Yesterday we went for a walk and he lunged at every male dog we met without provocation
What can I do to help him, I want my old Finn back

 

[CorvusCorax]

You may find that Holly was 'in charge' and was a protector, he may feel a bit vulnerable without leadership and most dogs do not like being forced into a role higher than they feel comfortable with - so it is important (if you think this may be the case) that you fill that role, not by anticipating and expecting bother and transmitting that down the lead to him, but by being calm and confident (not anxious and worrying about him!) use your body and your body language to let him know that it's OK, you'll handle it, even if if means standing a little in front of him or using your body to shield him a little. Don't reel in the lead and act panicky.

 

[lurcher98]

Holly was definitly in charge, she was the one who checked approaching dogs out first. Finn has always just mooched along behind me and still does. He was off lead on the first lunge and I was in front. He seemed a bit happier today and we had no incidents ( only met one young male dog though and that was more interested in the other dogs I had)
Since I lost holly one of the other bitches I walk has taken over her place on walks and I didn't have her yesterday.