need help/opinions on this scenario - Page 1

Okay I'm posting this looking for some opinions on this scenario. He is not a GSD but I'm hoping for some insight into canine behaviour.

The dog is a 6-year-old, altered, Golden Retriever owned by my boyfriend. The retriever suffers from hypothyroidism and has been on meds for about 4 years. Other than that, he is extremely healthy, raw fed. Rob has had the Retriever since he was a pup. The dog comes from very good lines (www.pedigreedatabase.com/dogs/golden_retriever/pedigree/718793.html). I refer to the dog as a gentle giant. He is usually extremely docile, just what you expect from a retriever. The two live together, alone, and I would say they have an extremely strong bond. The dog has been through formal training as a pup and is usually very well behaved.

Earlier this afternoon the two were in the backyard while someone was walking their beagle on a sidewalk that runs along the back of the yard. The retriever runs to the fence and starts barking (typical behaviour). Rob tells the dog to be quiet and recalls. The retriever does not listen or respond and he ignores a second recall. Rob goes to the dog with the intention of grabbing his collar and pulling him off the fence. Just before he grabs the dog, the retriever turns towards him and bites!. I asked Rob if he grabbed the dog from behind, perhaps startling him. The answer was no; the dog had already turned and could clearly see Rob.

Rob, needless to say, is very upset and I am searching for possible explanations. I know something along these lines has been asked before, but I couldn't find the previous thread in a search. I am looking for any possible scenarios that could have caused this uncharacteristic behaviour. I have already suggested that the dog be taken to a vet for a look-see, but I'm at a loss.

Any ideas, big or small would be very appreciated.
Thanks,
Karen

Hi Karen,its always hard to be exact without seeing the actual behaviour but could it be possible that the dog was high,(loaded) because of the other dog?Could it of been a reflex without thinking?You know like when you try to break up a fight and the dog accidently nails you.The only other things i can think of is 1,he is in some kind of medical distress causing him to be acting out or 2,does this dog respect your boyfriend as in accepting him as leader.Just something to think about.Talk to you soon Karen.

I think the dog was in a high state of aggression and he redirected it onto Rob. Think or it like this, if Rob is in a street fight with a bunch of thugs protecting your honor and during the middle of the fight you come from behind him and tried to give him a hug. Do you think Rob might punch you?

 

I would work on my basic obedience under strong distraction and never approach him in that situation again.  You may even want to bring in a pro dog trainer to help you out.

 

Tell Rob that is pup still loves him.

I've heard that in rare cases, hypothroidism in dogs can cause aggression. Perhaps he should go to the vet for another round of bloodwork to explore the possibility that the dose needs to be adjusted, or something. Sorry, I don't have any other details but maybe an experienced vet could shed some light on that.
TK

Some good suggestions, I would also recommend rechecking his thyroid level. Dogs with hypothyroid have been known to show aggression and fear.  Most likely it is as stated above, dog was intent and agitated with the other dog passing by, was the golden fence fighting?? Definately sounds like he redirected it onto the owner.  Lots of obedience and work on distractions should help his situation.
Good luck,
Amy

I would have thought, as it is in humans, hypothyroid causes impaired mental function where reasoned behaviour is lost and reaction/response takes over. This is worse in humans when there is either a pyschological or physical stressor.
I have not had a dog with this condition but as the thyroid affects mood/behaviour in humans I would believe it to be the same in other animals. I to would have the thyroid levels checked.

Thanks for all the input so far. We will definitely be getting some bloodwork done. The vet decreased his dose several months ago...maybe that has something to do with it.

Anyway, Rob is still very upset but clarified something....when Rob was going to the fence to grab the dog, the dog turned and began to walk to Rob (about 10 feet). When Rob went to grab the collar, that's when the dog bit. Quite deep and drew blood. Oh my.

could be redirected aggression.  happens between two dogs a lot of time at the fence getting themselves all "loaded" over something.  but yes, agree with having his blood checked again to make sure that his thyroid is regulated.

 

kathy

I have to agree with Kathy, it looks like displaced aggression.  You can see this when 2 dogs are together in a house looking out a window or behind a fence and begin to bark at another dog or a person.  The more dominant dog may turn and bite the other dog. It is not unheard of for a dog to turn and tag it's handler when the dog is in a highly agitated state.  Especially with dog aggression.

I agree with Christopher that the dog needs more serious obedience training.  However, I don't entirely agree with the analogy of the street fight in this situation.  London said the dog clearly saw "Rob" before the bite.  With my police dog I always say his name before approaching him when he is on a bite.  In training I practice a lot of "run byes" where I approach the dog and stroke him, praise and grab his collar then back away.  This prevents handler sensitivity and me getting tagged when I approach him in a fight.    

Obedience training is in order for this dog. In my experience with dispaced or redirected aggression the dog may not be accepting Rob as alpha.  I had a dominant male that was very dog aggressive, he nailed me a couple times when I corrected him for dog aggression.  We spent some time working out our issues, until he understood I was in charge and dog aggression wasn't tolerated.  I would check his blood work as well.

FWIW,

Jim