Need help with a dog

[cmhbob]

We've had Chester for about 6 years, since he was about 6-8 weeks old; he was a foundling. He's a long-haired shepherd mix.

He's grown up around all the kids, and there haven't been any new kids in the mix for over a year now. :)

We moved to a new house about 6 weeks ago, and he and Chaz (3-4 year old chow-lab mix) are now inside 90% of the time, where they were outside 90% at the old house. They get walked 3-4 times a day, but by and large are now inside dogs, and seem to be adapting pretty well.

Chester in the last couple of weeks has taken to growling and kind of lunging at a couple of the older kids, and in the last two days, has nipped 2 of them (g10 and b7). There is no immediate reason for any of this behavior; that is, the kids have just been walking by, or into the office. They weren't even directly interacting with the dogs.

Haven't done a lot of looking at any pet boards or anything yet.

Anyone got any advice? It's basically sudden aggression, and he's not exhibited anything like this since we've had him. It's more than a little disconcerting.

[Violet1966]

If it were my dog, I'd call the vet. I wouldn't take any chances where kids are involved.

[cmhbob]

For the time being, he's either going to be in his crate or on a very short leash, under my or my wife's direct control.

I'm thinking the vet's a good idea, too, at least to rule out any pathological stuff.

[Andy]

When I was a kid, we had a toy poodle that was fine up until she got around 5-6y/o, then she went bonkers (due to an illness I think?) and was very aggressive towards kids.

Might be sick, or a "getting old" thing.

[mikeky]

I'm no dog whisperer, but I imagine the move has really thrown his idea of territory upside down. He might view the office as his, be much more protective of it than before. One of our dogs is very territorial with visitors, but a stern warning will usually send her to her area and she stays there until they leave.

[cdw]

I would take him for a check up too but it probably is just the trauma of new surroundings. No sense taking chances though... and the vet might have some very simple solutions to help him adjust.

[Swamp Fox]

I haven't had a dog in decades, but I think he may be getting old, or he may be getting some sort of illness. I would definitely take him to a vet. I suggest you google, "pet dog forum" and ask one of the boards.

Good luck, bud.

[Violet1966]

I've had two friends who had family dogs that snapped. The dogs never bothered the children till one day they went nuts. One was a ratweiler, the other a dobbie. Both dogs had to be put down. The rottie was sick...some sickness to do with hormones I think it was. The dobbie actually had to be killed by the people in the room when it happened. It was the family pet for over 10 years when this happened. I was attacked for no reason by a shepherd when I was 7. The dog had bit before so it was put down.

I'd say it's the move too...but don't take any chances. At least talk to a vet about it. Maybe things will get better if it is territorial, when the nicer weather comes and the dog claims the outside once again? Best of luck and good to hear the Mrs. is watching the situation closely.

[MNeedham73]

I'd say it's the environment change as well.

The only other thing that comes to mind probably wouldn't fit this situation, because it only affects specific breeds ("rage syndrome" normally only affects springer spaniels, cockers, golden retrievers, and a couple of others. Unfortunately, my family has first-hand experience with this)