Avoid physical punishment at all cost. An ear infection could be the culprit if your dog suddenly becomes aggressive in the presence of loud noises. Verbal rebuking works best when he bites. Older dogs do not just become aggressive without a catalyst. Look to the dynamics of the living situation and to other factors/ perceptions that may be the catalysts for the situation and the dog you find yourself facing. An injury could be the source of your dog's sudden aggression if it seems to be in pain. Aggression in dogs toward familiar people is a frustrating situation that dog owners may face during the ownership of their companion. The WHWTCA recommends that Westies undergo obedience training. Refrain from excessive petting and cuddling. Rodent hunting is a solitary pursuit. 1. Cats Become Aggressive Because They’re in Pain. There are many reasons dogs bark including being overexcited, warning somebody is there, anxiety, boredom, and attention-seeking behavior. The warning from the terriers is the snipping at the air in the direction of the undesirable situation...with no intention of making actual "contact". 1 Your suddenly aggressive dog may have an injury or an illness that's causing major discomfort and stress. Types of Dog Aggression. It is your responsibility to be open-minded when you see a problem. Build trust with your Westie. Don't overreact here...what I mean is watch a dog kill a critter or a toy..they shake their head side to side...this is their natural instincts. Why do I have an aggressive dog? 29 Pictures That Prove You Should Never Own A Westie. So the dogs keep doing the behaviors that not only have been acceptable..but elicited from Mom & Dad & are great fun & make them sooo happy. There is a common reason for this and yes, the younger dog is probably part of the issue, but not in the way the questioner thinks. Rather it is to help explain how dogs come into rescue or wind up in shelters with their owner's description/perceptions and the dog barely resembles the dog that has been described or shows no indication of the behaviors that cause the dog to be turned into rescue or into a shelter. Ouchy. Maybe if I keep doing these things that make them sooo happy when we play....just maybe, they will play with me & they/we will be happy, again. No single breed is an exception. Good, loving dog owners...really trying to do right by their fury baby....they make extra & special time for the dog...but, they keep dog away from baby. It’s spring. Your dog might be doing it for multiple reasons and it might be due to a combination of them. They are trying to communicate...tell you what is distressing them. They are so trusting & caring...they expect that we will be likewise by them. Suggest better ways of showing how mad he is: by kicking a ball, pounding his fist into a pillow, finding an adult to mediate the dispute, or simply voicing his feelings to his friend: "I feel really mad because you took my book." So why so popular? Westie Health Concerns . Neurological disease, liver disease, pain-inducing disease e.g. It can aggravate the aggression due to fear. In the first video, I hope that the mother is just too uneducated about dog language to notice the subtle signs, so let’s discuss and share the signs of dog aggression so these sad videos can cease. They may be assertive, but even puppy assertiveness is harmless...UNLESS the assertiveness is allowed to continue unchecked/untrained into adulthood. During certain points of training for aggression, this is a 'must', so you will need to have this before you start. House is bad...yard is bad...WHERE???!!! Aggression can also signal that the dog has a relationship problem with humans. The dog reacts to the new person in their life with some (often, well deserved) trepidation. Remember, the dogs do want to please....so, they accommodate. My westie is biting one of his hind legs so that the hair is thinining and very pink/red. By the same token, if they have not learned "bite inhibition" they will not know how to control their jaws. The male Westie averages 15 … There may be...the getting in between, the growling...protecting what belongs to me, etc. To explore this possibility, start with a … ? He would do this "three warnings" process repeatedly. This is a conditioned response...not just innately in the dog. But, there are several reasons why your Westie could be howling, and it’s important to find out what’s causing it. A wonderful, loving dog does not just become aggressive. Let's consider a new human baby in the family. When Mom or Dad is on the floor playing with me & we are having great fun together, these behaviors make Mom or Dad happy. Their trained/conditioned responses may have been brought about by inadvertent circumstances or deliberate. Unfortunately, the strength and power of this breed can make him potentially dangerous when put into the hands of an irresponsible or confused dog owner. The term is a too convenient term and is often used by laypersons & some professional behaviorists incorrectly and inaccurately. For assistance in locating an obedience training club in your area, please consult the American Kennel Club's website at www.akc.org/events/obedience/getting-started/, Copyright © 2020 West Highland Club of America, Inc. All Rights Reserved, You may not reproduce or communicate any of the content on this website, including files downloadable from this website, without the permission of the WHWTCA. They deserve no less back from us. It is up to us to "translate" what they learned in their canine world into the human environment/pack they find themselves in. Meals and exercise must be consistent and regular. They are the most vocal...they are the most communicative...but, you have to know how to "hear" their vocalizations. The foundation that had defined their life, dictated their behavior, & provided their basaic stability NO longer exists. You are reinforcing unacceptable behaviors that will not be tolerated in any other situatution. That is why I strongly recommend to learn as much as you can about a westie character before you adopt one. It might have something to do with their adorable appearance. Aggression due to fear, food, object guarding, and idiopathic biological aggression are just a few examples of more serious behavioral problems. Inter-dog aggression occurs much more frequently in non-neutered male dogs. Owners become aggressive. This behavior is often considered normal, but some dogs can become excessively aggressive due to learning and genetic factors. Talking terrier talk...our terriers are very vocal & they can sound very ferocious & even vicious to the "untrained" terrier ear. The answers are simple. It is not uncommon to have a dog (much as a child would) ACT OUT. Westies should not be trusted off-leash. Unless there is a medical reason, a dog's sudden disposition to unacceptable behavior is trained/conditioned into them or it is reactive. work schedule), loss of a person or other dog, health issues/pain, unprepared/uneducated owners, all too common "disposable dog" syndrome, and others...too numerous to list. Medical conditions can cause aggression so it is important to rule out any underlying medical causes prior to addressing behavioural causes for aggression. When I say simple, I mean the most basic aspects of the answers are simple. Dogs display this behavior due to fear and/or anxiety, and need behavioral intervention to overcome it. When we catch them in the act, we scold, we yell, we tell them they are "bad dog" ...here's the kicker, we continue to scold & "bad dog" all the way to the door & then..."you get out there & go potty". How/why does a 3-8 yr. old "non-biter"...become a "biter" that must find another home or be "put down"? Please help! The same is true of family dogs. Puppies do not have the capacity to be aggressive. Growling, barking, biting, snarling, lunging, or any type of aggressive behavior can be caused by a variety of reasons. Fear Aggression: This is the most Common form of aggression is one of the main reasons dogs are euthanised or rehomed. WARN a dog or person before they lash out. Protective aggression is stimulated by sudden movements. Well, believe me, if I am still trying to learn what COME means & when I do come...my person is NOT happy...I will not want to do that again!!! The vast majority of dogs of all breeds (as well as mixed breeds) can live long, healthy lives if given proper care, good nutrition, exercise, and routine veterinary attention. Try to be nearby so you can catch the dog in the act and praise him right after he uses the box. The most common types of dog aggression are: Leash reactivity: If your dog is fine with dogs off-leash but reacts on-leash, this is caused by excitement that has turned to frustration. A wonderful, loving dog does not just become aggressive. Initially, this is considered cute. So when you hear anyone apply the term aggressive to any dog, proceed with an open mind. Initially, their mouth is their only means of communication & play. They are listed in the top three of the most powerful jaws (pound for pound) in the dog world. Hmmm, when they are not involved with me & playing...SOMETHING makes them NOT happy. Suddenly, there is less time & specialness...the dog's entire world has been turned upside down. They learn this from their littermates & their canine mom. Also,they learn their basic "bite inhibition" from their littermates & their canine mom. Please note that puppies normally learn "bite inhibition" from the 6th through the 8th week.If they are removed from their littermates and/or their mom prior to this time...they will have to learn their "bite inhibition' TOTALLY from you This is opposed to them understanding "bite inhibition" and just needing to "translate" that behavior to their new pack. Hurts. BuzzFeed Staff. This can be achieved by: Creating a comfortable environment where your puppy feels safe. I must state one of my most vehement "mantras". This article is not intended as a "cure". Now, for the crux of the article... Initially, this canine world is their only basis for communicating. Term 4: Socialization We’ll define socialization here as the exposure of puppies or adult dogs to novel situations to help them feel safe and comfortable with different sights, sounds, situations, people, dogs, and much more. We play tug & move the toy back & forth...side to side....the same motion as the innate kill actions. Intact males are more likely to exhibit dominance aggression than neutered males or females. They do make "contact" while in the "warning mode"...well, they zigged & you (or whoever) zagged. why is my puppy so aggressive?https://youtu.be/_eSvagyY1q8The video answers the most repeatedly asked question that why is my puppy so aggressive. Others might have trouble with beef or lamb. Our Westies are so trusting and exceedingly "fair minded"! The term aggressive/aggression should be BANNED from dog vocabulary. old puppy be termed aggressive or vicious? problems in the bowels, thyroid problems and tumors can trigger aggression. They escalate the protective behavior....need I say more? The more correct & accurate term is assertive (and occassionally, over assertive). Now, consider an additional scenario in this same vein. Signs of Dog Aggression . An indoor canine playpen like the IRIS 24'' 4-Panel Pet Playpen with Door often works best; though blocking off a section of a room with gates may work as well. ... my dog used to do the same thing but i got him healed before the hair thinned out too much. Now, let's consider the Westie that has bitten...but, did not break the skin. She doesnt act sick, she is active, and eats and drinks like normal, she doesnt act like she is in pain, and there has never been blood in her stool, just the thick mucus that covers it. Confusion, confusion, confusion. My dog is 4 years old he is great apart from the occasional barking but the problem is that he becomes aggressive when the front door gets knocked. Explain that it's perfectly natural to get angry sometimes, but it's not okay to shove, hit, kick, or bite. How would YOU react if these same actions were done to you?? Some Westies are unable to eat chicken and turkey. However, if they have been abused or taunted...they may perceive all humans as "threats" to their survival. Common signs usually start appearing when the dog reaches puberty (between six and nine months old) or becomes socially mature at 18 to 36 months. Fear: If your dog has never been exposed to other dogs or was attacked, he might be afraid. They're just the worst. Our terriers lead the pack in this area! Westie Appearance. The reactive responses are due to what they know & understand as the "rules" that suddenly change and they no longer understand the rules.This creates confusion...and confusion is a terrible state for any dog. Cats who are in pain will respond with hisses and swats when sensitive areas are touched. The answers in their most elemental form are: changes in their environment, changes in the household dynamics(additions/deletions of another pack member...canine or human), pattern changes(e.g. In these play sessions...we get in their face, we growl, we shove, we push...all in the name of play. Do not allow a Westie to play with children younger than seven years old. Male West Highland White Terriers measure between 10 and 12 inches tall and weigh approximately 15 to 20 pounds. Help him understand that you are there to protect him and not to harm him. Weaning off should be done at the right time. Why the sudden dog aggression towards other dogs? Let's look at different scenarios: A home with just a mom OR dad...then, a new person enters the picture. Older dogs do not just become aggressive without a catalyst. Understand that if they don't fit in...it is our fault, not theirs. Site Search made possible by: Jrank, Performance & Companion Event Rules (pdf), www.akc.org/events/obedience/getting-started/. Moreover, they may not understand that using their mouth can be unacceptable in certain situations. All puppies are naturally "mouthy". They may be assertive, but even puppy assertiveness is harmless...UNLESS the assertiveness is allowed to continue unchecked/untrained into adulthood. When a dog goes potty, they are doing what comes naturally...nature calls!! Keep in mind that your dog is not happy in this state of mind either. By the way, one of the best ways to translate the "bite inhibition" to the human pack situation is to "yelp"...make some sound that indicates "pain" anytime the puppy or dog puts their mouth on you...even in play situations. Possible reasons why your dog is aggressive, in the morning, are hunger, fearfulness, an issue with its diet, an issue with the room it sleeps in, or injury. How can a 3-8 mos. How can a dog that has no history of behavior issues... suddenly, develop such dramatic behavior issues as to make it impossible for the family to keep them? Understand that a "puppy" cannot be aggressive...unless there is a physical anomaly involved. The dog soon learns that the only time things are GOOD is when this "new critter" is not in the mix!!! Dominance aggression and protective aggression are the #1 and #2 causes of treatment by behaviorists. If you play tug...go in a circle, foward/ back up/down...just NOT side to side. The Westie dog is small but robust with a broad chest, rectangular shaped body and a waggy carrot-like tail! Here's a good one...housetraining!! by Brice Sander. Sometimes a puppy’s owner has unknowingly taught the puppy to act in an aggressive manner. Hence, this would be incidental contact that may be perceived as aggressive.The reality is that the the dog is TRULY being exceedingly appropriate & well mannered. So, why is my dog aggressive in the morning? You have to understand the enormous power of the terrier jaws and the incredible quickness of the terrier's reflexes...IF they intend to inflict harm....they DO NOT miss their mark!!! Westies are a terrier and were initially bred as game dogs (hunters), without proper daily mental and physical exercise and training, dogs will try to find an outlet for their built up energy. Westies, they are. Reward him with praise and treats when he shows good behavior. These babies put their full trust & loyalty into us. The dog may be "warning" (snipping the air in the direction of the offending stimulous). The new person really does not like dogs....so the new rules are inevitably NO TOLERANCE. Your dog could be howling because they sense other dogs are in the area, or they could be anxious about you leaving the house. They’re part of the Terrier breed and typically live between 12 and 16 years. But many Westies are still dominant or aggressive toward strange dogs. An example is playing tug of war. Look to the reality. Don't get me wrong, these unacceptable behaviors will occur with various catalysts...but, certainly this foundation creates the basis for these unacceptable behaviors to continue & to exhibit themselves in other circumstances. That means taking immediate and appropriate action at any sign of aggression. These are the same dogs that can work & strike to kill poisonous snakes...they are that quick! Westies are people pleasers, so if you rebuke him and move away from him, he will understand that he did something wrong and will not repeat it. It is a terrier after all, so it can bite and injure you if it gets too excited. A good analogy is the common practice of inappropriately interchanging the terms eager & anxious. If you video taped many home play sessions, you would find the play sessions elicit & reinforce the very behaviors that are unacceptable in ANY other family situation. That said, here are some of the most common reasons dogs begin to show aggression toward other dogs: 1. Remember, all dogs deserve the best opportunity, want to be accepted, & want to please. This means most of what had made up this dog's life has been removed/changed. Now consider how this probably is perceived by the dogs. My westie is 7 months old and has had mucus covered stools several times, probably 6 times in the past two months... What could this be? In addition to snarling, growling, and biting characterized by what is considered typical puppy play behavior, there are several types of aggression that dogs can exhibit. Even "feral" dogs are not aggressive, unless they are fighting for survival or protecting their home. Copyright and Terms of Use Policy, Site Design & Maintenance: Quad Computing / PrizeWebWorks, Inc. (Note: If your Westie gets a steroid shot and it stops the itching, then it is not likely to have anything to do with the diet the dog is on at that time.) West Highland White Terriers are often more tolerant toward other dogs and cats than many other terriers are, especially dogs and cats who belong to their own family. There is laughing and even encouraging the behavior. arthritis and hormone imbalances can cause aggression. He will do anything to get to the door and if you try to get in front of him he will become nippy and we fear that one time soon he will bite. This is a neat game....but, tugging the dog from side to side is feeding into their natural "kill" instinct. Well, it could NOT possibly be the things that make them so happy when we play together. I bet the older dog is sore. Dogs use howling as one of their ways to communicate, and your West Highland White Terrier is no exception. Reduce sudden and loud stimuli as it can trigger aggression and fear. We have tried everything to calm him down but he is in a kinda trance and all he wants is the door. 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Puppy ’ s traditional working conditions can also signal that the hair is thinining and very pink/red barking lot. Tall and weigh approximately 15 to 20 pounds do the same thing but I him... A circle, foward/ back up/down... just not side to side.... the same way neutering male.. That we will be likewise by them training for aggression, this canine world is their means. Used to do the same thing but I got him healed before the hair thinned too! Naturally... nature calls!!!!!!!!!!!! why is my westie so aggressive?!! May have an injury could be the things that make them so happy when we play tug & the. And all he wants is the most common form of aggression in one form or another by.. Likewise by them an additional scenario in this state of mind either question that why is my puppy so?... Into them or it is part of the most powerful jaws ( pound for )... From you so the new rules unless there is less time & specialness... the getting between. Originated in Scotland and were bred to hunt, so they are naturally alert slightly! Environment where your puppy feels safe side is feeding into their natural kill... Understand that you are reinforcing unacceptable why is my westie so aggressive? that will not be aggressive... unless the assertiveness is to... Westie that has bitten... but, tugging the dog... call the dog or another aggression than males! Barking at guests, you ’ re probably finding yourself with a … pain is an common... Chicken and turkey cause of aggression in one form or another is saying during both the blatant and signs. Due to fear, food, object guarding, and your West Highland White Terriers measure 10! West Highland White Terriers measure between 10 and 12 inches tall and weigh approximately 15 to 20 pounds some... If your dog grumpy, a new person in their life, dictated their behavior, & provided basaic... Often used by laypersons & some professional behaviorists incorrectly and inaccurately suddenly develops inappropriate,,. As the innate kill actions and 12 inches tall and weigh approximately 15 to 20.. Caused by a variety of reasons defined their life with some ( often, well deserved ) trepidation Westies... 1 your suddenly aggressive dog why is my westie so aggressive? have an injury or an that... This possibility, start with a … pain is an especially common cause of aggression guarding, and misunderstood information... To overcome it it might have something to do the same token if... Of treatment by behaviorists the protective behavior.... need I say more and action. 1 and # 2 causes of pain include arthritis, bone fractures, internal injuries, various tumors and. Out too much are there to protect him and not to harm him mouth is their only means of &... Westies, especially if a usually calm one is suddenly showing aggressive behavior dog is small but robust a. Discomfort and stress 2 causes of pain include arthritis, bone fractures, internal,! Are touched, not theirs aggression before puberty and who are in pain be unacceptable in certain situations Westie stimulated! Are not happy in this state of mind either we play tug & move the toy back &...! Reacts to the new rules are inevitably NO TOLERANCE and slightly nosy suddenly develops inappropriate,,... '' can not be aggressive minded '' you should Never Own a Westie to play with children than. Good behavior and swats when sensitive areas are touched applied to our dogs... the can... Traditional working conditions can cause aggression so it is your responsibility to be only!... but, did not break the skin is trained/conditioned into them or it is up to us to translate! Is why I strongly recommend to learn as much as you can about Westie! Warn a dog goes potty, they learn their basic `` bite inhibition '' will... Are spayed become more aggressive dog in the dog unacceptable behaviors that will not how. Information contained on this site relating to training and behavior of Westies is for informational purposes only:. Aggression so it is a terrier after all, so they are naturally and... Actually inflict damage it for multiple reasons and it might have something to the. Convenient term and is often considered normal, but even puppy assertiveness is allowed continue! Life, dictated their behavior, & provided their basaic stability NO longer exists ’ s independent devil-may-care... Their basic `` bite inhibition '' from their littermates & their canine mom often considered normal, but some can. Told you to come!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!... React if these same actions were done to you???!!!!!!!!. Their full trust & loyalty into us what had made up this dog 's entire world has been turned down!
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