I have a 6 year old bully, Hamlet. My husband and I have had Ham since he was a pup; he is our first (and only) bulldog.
He has been a dream since day one. Even as a puppy he was very low-key and listened well. He did exhibit a lot of caution toward strangers (particularly men). As a grew, he proved to be fearful of certain objects-- umbrellas, ceiling fans, hats-- really, any object that is in the plane above him. He only ever showed caution and fear; never did he show aggression.
My husband and I recently opened our own office and have recently (in the last few months) begun bringing him into the office everyday. He loves to come with us and had been doing very well just lounging at our feet throughout the day.
In February, a friend moved into our home. She has a husky who has exhibited aggression toward Ham. She snarls and growls but there has been no incident. Ham doesn't appear anxious around the husky, but he definitely keeps a snipping-distance away from her. We began bringing Ham to work daily largely because we didn't want to leave him unsupervised with the husky at home.
In March, Ham had eight front upper-teeth removed. He still has all lower teeth and upper-back teeth.
Shortly after his teeth were removed, he began displaying aggression toward strangers. Initially, it was just posturing-- growling, ears back, barking. In response, people would offer their hand for Ham to sniff. He has "bitten" several vendors this way. Of course, sans any upper-teeth, the biting was really just a gumming. Although the vendors were startled, no damage was done.
This morning, he lunged aggressively at a female vendor who had offered her hand to him. He actually jumped on her, snarling. Twice.
I am devastated.
I truly suspect the teeth removal has something to do with this new behavior, but my google searches turn up nothing. I can only find discussion of teeth removal as a solution to aggression rather than the cause of it.
I am also worried that the new behavior is a sign of an aging pup. I know temperament may change as dogs age and I am so worried this is a sign of decline in my sweet Ham.
Although we have not noticed any signs of diminishing eyesight, I am also concerned this new behavior may be the first sign of it.
This is so uncharacteristic of my Ham. I feel bad for the people he frightens and most of all, I feel bad for my boy. I know he behaves this way because he is fearful and stressed.
My friend and her husky are scheduled to move out on Monday, and I'm hopeful that we'll see a change in Ham soon. My questions may be premature pending that, but I'm desperate for some answers / reassurance / guidance.
Could it be a combination of the angry husky at home and the teeth removal? Old age? Failing eyesight?
He has been a dream since day one. Even as a puppy he was very low-key and listened well. He did exhibit a lot of caution toward strangers (particularly men). As a grew, he proved to be fearful of certain objects-- umbrellas, ceiling fans, hats-- really, any object that is in the plane above him. He only ever showed caution and fear; never did he show aggression.
My husband and I recently opened our own office and have recently (in the last few months) begun bringing him into the office everyday. He loves to come with us and had been doing very well just lounging at our feet throughout the day.
In February, a friend moved into our home. She has a husky who has exhibited aggression toward Ham. She snarls and growls but there has been no incident. Ham doesn't appear anxious around the husky, but he definitely keeps a snipping-distance away from her. We began bringing Ham to work daily largely because we didn't want to leave him unsupervised with the husky at home.
In March, Ham had eight front upper-teeth removed. He still has all lower teeth and upper-back teeth.
Shortly after his teeth were removed, he began displaying aggression toward strangers. Initially, it was just posturing-- growling, ears back, barking. In response, people would offer their hand for Ham to sniff. He has "bitten" several vendors this way. Of course, sans any upper-teeth, the biting was really just a gumming. Although the vendors were startled, no damage was done.
This morning, he lunged aggressively at a female vendor who had offered her hand to him. He actually jumped on her, snarling. Twice.
I am devastated.
I truly suspect the teeth removal has something to do with this new behavior, but my google searches turn up nothing. I can only find discussion of teeth removal as a solution to aggression rather than the cause of it.
I am also worried that the new behavior is a sign of an aging pup. I know temperament may change as dogs age and I am so worried this is a sign of decline in my sweet Ham.
Although we have not noticed any signs of diminishing eyesight, I am also concerned this new behavior may be the first sign of it.
This is so uncharacteristic of my Ham. I feel bad for the people he frightens and most of all, I feel bad for my boy. I know he behaves this way because he is fearful and stressed.
My friend and her husky are scheduled to move out on Monday, and I'm hopeful that we'll see a change in Ham soon. My questions may be premature pending that, but I'm desperate for some answers / reassurance / guidance.
Could it be a combination of the angry husky at home and the teeth removal? Old age? Failing eyesight?