Help Needed! Bulldog Agression towards certain people?

[Kprice]

My bulldog in the past 6-8 months is showing agression towards people. He doesn't do it very often so its difficult to figure out what the trigger is. I had a friend come over and he went directly after her, he was definately going to bite her. This happened last year. He also has done this towards my mother, one minute he was fine with her and the next he was going to attack her (that happened a few months ago). Today he tried to attack the vet technician and she already had greeted him in the beginning of the visit and he was fine and when she came back into the room he was in the attack mode. I noticed that he gets this strange look on his face like he's not sure of something with that person.

Ollie has been a wonderful family dog! We love him very much, but because of this aggression, I am thinking about giving him up to someone that might be able to handle him better.

My fear is that he might hurt someone because he is unpredictable at this point. We have family and friends in our house all the time. 98% of the time he is fine, but I'm really concerned about the 2%. I don't want to take a chance and someone gets hurt.

Ollie is 2 1/2 years old. No medical issues. We started socializing him when he was a pup. We have done dog obedience etc.

Any suggestions?

Thanks

 

[Jennifer Clark]

Is it only women this is happening to?

Mommy says I'm not suppose to play with her phone ha ha Mommy signed The Shelly Bean

 

[cali baker]

I would have Ollie get a thorough medical evaluation with the vet first. The recent aggression may be from something medical that you cannot easily detect. After that and if everything is a-okay, then look for a behaviorist trainer to work with Ollie. I was going to ask you what Ollie's history was before you got him but it sounds like you've raised him since he was very young.

 

[4flowers]

Has he had recent shots lately? Every time Meatball gets a vaccine, the vet calls 48 hours later to see if he had any reaction to the shots. He asks about fever, diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy, and yes he asks if his personality changed. He told us some dogs change personality as a reaction to shots. Don't know if its specific breeds or all dogs.

 

[2BullyMama]

As others suggested.... sudden onset of aggression leads to believe he is in some type of pain. Have your vet to a head to toe exam, X-rays, bloodwork, thyroid check.... Something is hurting him and he is trying to protect himself.


i had this recently with my 8 yr old girl.... Outward, she looked and see,ed healthy, after three weeks of a few off personality snaps... I took her in for the full work over--- she had a two inch stone in her belly which was causing a great deal of discomfort. Once removed and recovered.... Back to her sweet beeeotchy self

 

[agentbunny]

I had a yorkie a while back who used to do the same except he went crazy for no reason on other dogs, even the family dogs. He was eventually diagnosed with "rage syndrome".... Yes, it is a real thing.
Here is an article I googled just now. See if the symptoms fit for your dog. My yorkie was put on prozac for it though it did not work.
http://www.whole-dog-journal.com/issues/7_6/features/Rage-Syndrome-In-Dogs_5639-1.html
I certainly don't mean to scare you, but I just wanted people to know that this condition exists because the aggression can be so perplexing at times and people refuse to believe you when you say that there was no trigger or signs before the attack.
Has your pup ever attacked a male human or a child or has it only been women?

 

[Kprice]

Thank you so much for all the input. I will definately take him to the vet for a physical. I was also thinking about a trainer but was worried that the trainer might not seeing his aggression because it only happens once in a while. Yes, mostly women. One time did he act out towards a male. I'm just worried that he will hurt someone eventually. Everyone at home knows to keep an eye on him when new people come over. I'm sad because I was hoping he would be an all around dog and love everyone etc.

 

[2BullyMama]

Thank you so much for all the input. I will definately take him to the vet for a physical. I was also thinking about a trainer but was worried that the trainer might not seeing his aggression because it only happens once in a while. Yes, mostly women. One time did he act out towards a male. I'm just worried that he will hurt someone eventually. Everyone at home knows to keep an eye on him when new people come over. I'm sad because I was hoping he would be an all around dog and love everyone etc.

He still could be.... keep positive as they pick up on your anxiety and may be reacting to that as well. Keep us posted on the vet visit.... remember have EVERYTHING checked.

 

[mikesbandit]

My boy isn't aggressive, but there are certain people he relentlessly tries to hump.

 

[Pati Robins]

Great advice was given already i just wanted to ask that if a full vet check up goes ok -and there isnt any medical reason for the behaviour.Since early socialisation and classes how often did he got a proper socialisation outside the home with strangers and other dogs later in life? (Even tho we socialise them well as a pups we need to continue to do so constantly )
Again behaviourists can help to give you pointers on how to work on his behaviour
Please keep us updated