Yahoo Answers is shutting down on May 4th, 2021 (Eastern Time) and beginning April 20th, 2021 (Eastern Time) the Yahoo Answers website will be in read-only mode. There will be no changes to other Yahoo properties or services, or your Yahoo account. You can find more information about the Yahoo Answers shutdown and how to download your data on this help page.
Trending News
Newly developed aggression towards owner?
A friend of the family has a 15 year old jack russell who has always been very friendly towards his owner until recently. A few months ago she broke her leg and couldn't take him for walks, so she had friends come once a day to walk the dog for her, and she would let it out into the yard at night for the last pee before bed (she would have to pick him up and carry him to the fenced in yard). The dog would also get a coat put on him for his daily walks.
Since she has recovered, the friends no longer come to walk the dog because she can do it. When she goes to put on his coat, he reacts aggressively towards her, and has snapped and nipped her a couple times. He would run to his crate and not allow her to take him out. At night, he does not let her pick him up anymore to put him in the yard. When they eventually get out for the walk (she has resorted to putting on gloves to get the coat and leash on, which I told her just makes the situation worse), the dog allows her to pick him up, no problem. He just doesn't let her pick him up or put on his coat inside the house. He is fine having other people pick him up, and put on his coat, both inside and outside; it's just her that he has a problem with.
She says he is not food motivated, and doesn't really like any toys, so she can't use that to recondition him to "like" her again.
A few days ago he bit her and just barely broke the skin, and he is now being quarantined at the vet clinic (despite having rabies and all vaccines up to date) until Tuesday, when he is scheduled to be euthanized.
I promised her I would see if I can find out what happened, and if anything can be done.
Apparently there are no health issues (he's as healthy as a 15 year old dog can be).
My theory is that, in her incapacitated state, he saw that she was vulnerable, and so he took over the dominant role in the house. How can she reestablish dominance if she is now afraid of him, and he is not food or toy motivated? Could this be age-related senility?
Is euthanasia the best option?
Please, any feedback is appreciated.
Edit: I only heard about this tonight, I have not even met the dog, as the owner is primarily a friend of my parents.
It was the vet's recommendation that the dog stay at the clinic for 10 days quarantine before it is euthanized. I was very surprised that the vet didn't give any behavioural counseling, and that he just said that nothing can be done and euthanasia is the only way out. I don't agree with that at all. Apparently physical issues have been ruled out, but I am also not convinced of that either given his age. But if it was pain-related, then that doesn't explain why he allows other people to handle him, and the owner can handle him outside.
Also, "Baby G". The hostility is not necessary. He is a short haired dog, and we live in Canada. This issue started during the winter, and a short haired dog DOES need a coat if it goes out for more than a few minutes. So please, unless you're going to offer some help, then keep your opinions to yourself.
6 Answers
- LeighLv 71 decade agoFavorite Answer
At 15 years of age, my first thought is that the dog probably has arthritis or another condition that is causing the dog pain, making him not want to be touched. What does the vet have to say about the situation? Has the dog been examined for arthritis or other painful conditions that often come with aging? The dog could also have "canine cognitive disfunction", which is similar to alzheimer's in humans...he could be scared and confused at times. There is no need to quarantine her own dog if he has had his vaccinations-she could safely bring the dog home. Is euthanasia the best option? That depends on the situation, and needs to be decided between her and her vet., and whether the dog truly poses a threat to her owner. My opinion is that it is likely related to aging, and personally, I would not opt for euthanasia until a complete workup was completed.
- Anonymous1 decade ago
Dont pick him up dont put the doggie coat on. HES A DOG he doesnt need a coat. He has one of his own. just open the door and tell the dog outside.if the dog is fine and shows no signs of rabies I think that is RIDICULOUS and SELFISH to put the dog down because of a tiny little bite. Obviously the your friend got his ego bruised a little by getting bit. Would you kill your best friend just because you got in a little fight. COME ON PEOPLE. people thinking that animals are stupid and disposable is the reason why there are so many strays in the world and also the reason why 330,000 animals are euthanized every year in AMERICA. Let alone other countries. Give the poor thing a little bit of time to get its dignity back and everything will be just fine.
Source(s): EXPERIENCE - 1 decade ago
Sorry for leaving an answer, but it didn't show your e-mail, should I put the bird back tomorrow morning? He's been here in the cage for a few hours already. I'm just really worried, all I was trying to is help, and I haven't touched it..
- 1 decade ago
I would hope that you would not put a 15 yr old dog to sleep. Please take to vet and have him checked out for some kind of problem. We dont put people to sleep because they get naste when they are old,
- How do you think about the answers? You can sign in to vote the answer.
- 1 decade ago
i know i'm not an "expert' or anything but
i think that something happened(?) between her and the dog
while he was injured. like maybe she repeated something that the dog didn't like at all. you know what i mean?
i think the dog is getting sensitive too, cause i mean he is fifteen!!!
well i'm not quite sure but i hope they reconcile soon=]
Source(s): my opinion, my thoughts
