My dog just turned on me and now I am scared!

Crisp_£_note

He had taken himself into the bathroom to lie down, something he does on occasion but usualy he moves out when someone wants to use it. Saying this I have just realised I cleaned the bathroom this morning (havent changed any cleaners though) if thats any contribution?

I went to go into the bathroom as I needed it (not enough room for 2 in there) and he didnt move so I asked him in a friendly tone to "come on out please as I need the loo" didn't shout or show any aggression didnt move towards him just stepped aside the doorway to allow him through. He didnt move, no agression (usualy he would of) so I said the him in a slightly more determined tone "come on shift please", still nothing so then as I often do when he isn't listening I got the comanding tone and clapped my hands and said "out please" which any other time he would take note of and do what I had requested immediately. This time he didnt so I repeated the last command again and he started to snarl at me so I backed away, he went for my feet (luckily I had shoes on) so I stood still as he tried to attack my feet. I didnt move just said "leave" in as commanding a tone as I could to which he looked up at me snarling so I backed away and he lunged at me and thats when I pulled back. I hid in the bathroom by then and broke down into tears, probably due to shock. I hadnt entered his 'space' before that as he had come out of the bathroom into the hallway. I tried to remain as calm as possible without showing fear or submission as such. Hadnt made threaterning gestures, eye contact or particularly loud or startling noises, just clapped my hands softleywhich he often hears.

Although I must point out he doesnt ignore commands when they are urgent so his life wouldnt be in danger he would react immediately.

The other dog was nowhere near us, asleep on his bed in the front room.

Obviously I did get out of the bathroom but the dog was laying in the hallway the other side of the door, however thankfully he got up and moved away when he heared the door opening. Didnt make eye contact I just quietly came and sat down.

Person_one

Ok, I'd say he's too hot and suffering and went in the bathroom because its a cold place to lie (tiles, I'm guessing?).

How is he behaving now? A trip to the vet may be in order.

I'm sorry to say it, but I'm a bit shocked that a grown woman broke down in tears and hid over this though!

Paradigm

Agree with person one, it's likely to be heat related. Dogs are not good at cooling themselves in these temps & can get a little "fractious", much like we can

Keep an eye on him, a checkup at the vet could be a good idea if this (similar) is repeated.

ariba10

If it bites the hand that feeds it, it is time for it to go.

Celli

It does sound as if the heat has got to him, however, as this appears to be out with his normal behaviour, I think a trip to the vet would be wise.

Fosterdog

Person_one wrote: »

I'm sorry to say it, but I'm a bit shocked that a grown woman broke down in tears and hid over this though!

Actually when you get a shock like that you don't control how your body reacts, it's common to burst into tears with a shock and later on when you've calmed down you realise how silly it was.

Unless you've been in a situation that gives you a shock like that you don't know how you'll react. I once had quite a big shock and burst in to tears then burst out laughing a few minutes later.

OP I would say although you didn't think you were doing anything too obtrusive to your dog you were stood blocking his only escape from a room you already said was too small for the two of you on a very hot day when he's probably already stressed.

Maybe you could try keeping him out of the room for the next few weeks so he doesn't have the chance to defend "his" cool spot. Also instead of commanding him to do something try going back to basics with treats for good behaviour and encouragement.

I'd also take him to a vet to rule out anything medical as the cause.

Crisp_£_note

Person_one wrote: »

Ok, I'd say he's too hot and suffering and went in the bathroom because its a cold place to lie (tiles, I'm guessing?).

How is he behaving now? A trip to the vet may be in order.

I'm sorry to say it, but I'm a bit shocked that a grown woman broke down in tears and hid over this though!

It's lino

What would you have done? Why does it make a difference how old or what gender I am?


I suppose I hid because I was frightened. Fight or flight. Who'se going to fight back with an angry dog?! The shock made me cry. Sorry but I think I dealt with it quite well. It was mother in law (who called by chance as she knew I was home alone for a long period and wanted to pop in to see if I was ok or needed anything) who over reacted. Mother in law came around earlier and said I needed to go to A&E for a tetanus jab (despite me saying it was unnesesary, although I am apreciative and greatful for her concern) and took me up there but they said I didnt need one and told me just to take pain killers if needed.
I didnt phone anyone didnt call my hubzy to come home as I didnt feel I needed to I just turned here for a bit of advice on what to do next not for me but for my dog.

ariba10 wrote: »

If it bites the hand that feeds it, it is time for it to go.

:eek::mad: I've been attacked by someone elses dog before much worse than this (yet still refused to have it put down despite the advice I was given at the time).
Put it into context if a child bit you in a temper tantrum would you kill it?


Thank you Fosterdog for those kind words. The door has usualy been closed for some time as we knew this could cause an incident in the past but obviously not this time. Im obviously at fault for this although the bathroom window is open so it may have dislodged it too. I will try to pay more attention

Person_one

Fosterdog wrote: »

Actually when you get a shock like that you don't control how your body reacts, it's common to burst into tears with a shock and later on when you've calmed down you realise how silly it was.

Unless you've been in a situation that gives you a shock like that you don't know how you'll react.

Of course I've been in a situation like that! I think we all have, haven't we?

Ok, sorry OP, obviously you couldn't help your reaction, but it made me wonder if you are perhaps a little nervous around the dogs even before this happened?

Herongull

I hope that dog is not allowed near children.

krlyr

I think it's definately worth a vet trip - thorough physical examination, perhaps x-rays and a blood panel too.

In the kind of situation you explain I'd be wondering possibly if there's a joint issue going on making him reluctant to move from lying position. My previous dog had hip dysplasia and the only time she got snappy was when she was in severe pain (she was on medication for it but unfortunately her hips were in terrible condition).

Alternatively, the thyroid can play a huge impact on health and behaviour, it's worth reading up on the link between hypothyroidism in dogs and aggressive behaviour, it can make a dog change overnight - but fortunately there's a very quick fix for it when diagnosed, artificial thyroid hormones given daily, and semi-frequent monitoring with blood tests.
http://www.dogs4dogs.com/JR_Articles/dog-thyroid-and-behavior.htm
http://www.beaconforhealth.org/PDF/Hypothyroid_Aggression.pdf