Question:
I have a three year old neutered golden retriever. In the past two months he has become aggressive towards some dogs while I am out walking. While on the leash he will snarl, growl, and occasionaly lunge at other dogs. Lately he will do this to some people too. The only change in his routine has been that our neighbour offers to walk him with her one year old golden retriever and three children.
I'm worried he may bite someone. Do I need to be concerned about his behaviour or is it natural for a three year old dog to be protective? Should I discipline him when he barks at other dogs or people. Should I not allow him to be walked by my neighbour and her dog? Any advice you could give would be greatly appreciated.

Answer:
Hello! I have 2 Goldens myself, 1 and 3 yrs old. I can't help you with your problem, as I haven't encountered it myself. Go to Canadian Golden Retrievers website [http://www.canadiangoldens.com/discuss.cgi] and post this question. There is an unbelieveable mix of people there, from Golden lovers, owners, friends and breeders. I am sure they can help you.

Heather

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Thank you. I will try that website.

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Yes,you do need to be concerned about it.It's not just your breed,but others who become aggressive.Be it pure or mixed.For now I think it wouldn't be best for your friend to walk your dog.With her own and 3 kids how is she to control your dog if things get out of hand?

I suggest you talk to a trainer and get them to help you with this situation.This needs to be corrected ASAP..

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Your dog is not being protective when he lunges at people and there is no threat. He is being aggressive.
I suggest you consult a good trainer who will make a housecall, go walking with you to observe the behavior and see if it's fear based or just aggressive.

Since you have no way of knowing what your neighbour does to/with him when she takes him out, I would stop that and walk him yourself.

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Great advise as usual

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Mac I seem to be having a similar problem to you... Taz(male) who is a very placid dog and gets on great with my two girls (dogs) and is practically a cuddly bear he is so laid back... doesn't like when we go to the park and any other dog approaches us he suddenly stands in front of the girls and growls and barks and tries to lunge (he is on a leash so can't) I am getting my dog trainer to come to the house on Saturday and she said she will work with him on this and it shouldn't be too much of a problem... I'll pass on the advice I get to you once its over!

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ps I should point out though he is not lunging at the people but at the other dog be they male or female

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Thank you for everyone's advice regarding our aggressive dog. I've asked my friend not to walk our dog for the time being. My wife and I will look into getting some assistance from a trainer.

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Originally Posted by LuckyRescue
Your dog is not being protective when he lunges at people and there is no threat. He is being aggressive.
I suggest you consult a good trainer who will make a housecall, go walking with you to observe the behavior and see if it's fear based or just aggressive.

Since you have no way of knowing what your neighbour does to/with him when she takes him out, I would stop that and walk him yourself.

This is what happened with my Rottie - she's dog agressive, not people - and worse with small dogs, it is her way of trying to establish dominance. She will get along with other dogs, but the intoductions need to be made carefully. It all started because she was attacked by another dog - Training and being careful has kept her out of trouble and she is starting to mellow out as she grows older, she's now nearing 9.

The trainer idea is a great one... and you should also think back to see if you remember something happening that may have triggered it all... ask your neighbor if anything happened when she walked the dog too. Fixing or dealing with the issue is often easier is you can fiqure out why it is happening.

Good luck

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