Temperament change with age?

[lucy40]

Hi,
I'd love some thoughts about something I'm experiencing with one of my pups. I have two littermates, who I got and started working with a trainer with at the age of three. They are soon to be six now. The trainer from whom I got them is a retired k9 trainer who has also trained k9s in the middle east in recent years--he knows his stuff. I say this because I have noticed that one of the shepherds has become noticeably edgier as he has aged. I'd say in the past year he's gotten more reactive and has begun lunging at his other canine housemates. Some days he is fine with them (and he is the only one who has this issue, everyone else, four other dogs, get along beautifully), and other days he goes out of his way to attack. Not just a defense bite, but a full-out mauling if he is not removed.

He has always been more sensitive than the others, and I've examined every single aspect of the situation really honestly to see what I'm bringing to the situation, etc., but two different people, both of whom are really responsible Dutch Shepherd people, told me the same thing within a week--that as they age, Dutch Shepherds have the tendency to become less predictable. I know this sounds like a bad excuse for irresponsible training. That was my first thought. I want to identify the problem and work on it. But these handlers just said that as though it were a matter of common knowledge. It was news to me.

And so I am wondering if any of you have heard anything similar. Of course I'm not going to throw up my hands and say, "Oh well, then, problem solved," and cease to do more. But this news was so surprising to me that I just wanted to check with others to see if you, too, had ever heard anything like this.

I am grateful for your thoughts.

[alspyce]

My first thought is that I would get a full Vet exam to be sure he's feeling OK. Lyme test, blood work, etc.

[Dutchringgirl]

I have to agree with Chris to get a blood work up and check up, check teeth.

I cant offer any more, I wish I could but I havent experienced anything like that, its been ages since I worked with other Ds's . thalie is 9 and always been level headed.

[leih merigian]

I will be very curious to see what Judith has to say about this question.

Meanwhile, I guess it goes without saying that you'll prevent him from attacking your other dogs, now that you know that's on his agenda. Having to keep dogs separated for life is such a drag, but I know so many people that live that way with some of their dogs. I hope you're able to find some resolution that doesn't require that kind of management, long-term.

[CaroleBoaz]

I would also look into health problems. They are so good at hiding pain, but certainly will not appreciate a housemate jumping and playing.

My Laekenois is going to be 5 years old and he has Moderate hip dysplasia (OFA rating). He totally avoids my two short-hairs when we play outside because they will body slam him. And that has got to hurt. I'm sure if he wasn't so nice tempered that he'd be snarling and growling at those other dogs.

[lucy40]

Thank you all so much for responding. He and his brother are in great physical condition, and he's such a great dog...except when he's not. He's like that brat in the neighborhood who's a lot of fun while you're playing by his rules but then gets ticked off and goes home if someone else jumps in. I adore my Dutch Shepherds, and this one's brother is about as non-confrontational a dog as I've met. It looks right now like I must separate him from the other four, and because they've always been such a huge part of my life, I don't even know what that's going to look like. I am trying to remove my feelings of guilt and sadness about this because he'll feel that, I know. I just feel as though he's been cast out. I've consulted people I trust who have worked a lot with this breed to ask them what they do in such a situation, and they echo some of your thoughts about separation. Maybe my next question is, how do you not feel guilty? And how do I make sure his life is still full and happy, given this new reality? Thank you again, so much.

[leih merigian]

Maybe my next question is, how do you not feel guilty? And how do I make sure his life is still full and happy, given this new reality? Thank you again, so much.

I've always found that whenever there are changes along the lines of a New World Order in my house, it's jarring at first, then you get used to the new program and before too long, it seems like the new normal.

Not sure what you feel guilty about... that he's become this way? Or that you have to manage him by separation? All behavior has consequences, and I doubt that his new behaviors are your doing or fault. Regardless, blame doesn't do anything constructive. Don't waste your time or energy by going there.

Since he's fine out in the world with the others, then as long as that stays true, no reason he can't be out with you all, doing what you have always done.

Not sure how your house is set up, but if you have a room near where you all hang out at nite, perhaps you can just use a baby gate to keep him in that room, but still not too far from the rest of the gang...you'll find ways to make it work.

I feel for you. But, you are doing the right thing to protect your other dogs. Try to feel good about that .

[alspyce]

I have never separated dogs in my house. Everyone get along here because I say who gets to do what and when. I am the leader, and I make the rules.
I feel separating them builds up resentments that truly can lead to all out wars later.
I've have a friend who separates dogs and ended up with none who can be trusted together--ever. Gates all over all the doors.

I still would have the dog seen at the Vet. Lots of things could be going on INSIDE of a seemingly healthy dog that could be a serious problem by the time you start noticing a health problem on the outside.

[lucy40]

Again, thank you both for your thoughts. It's easier not to feel bad about taking these steps to keep him and the others safe when I know it's what's best. And we've put up the baby gates, too, to keep him separated during times of higher stress. I just don't think he's a dog who likes having the commotion of dogs running around, barking, and acting nutty. I think he just does better when there's a calmer environment. In the days since we've implemented the almost-total separation, he's seemed more relaxed and less on edge. And you were absolutely right about being able to adjust to anything--it just takes some getting used to. I know he's a permanent fixture in my life; it was just a matter of figuring out the plan that would work best for him and everyone. I so appreciate you all sharing your ideas. It's time for his yearly check-up, and while he's a ball of energy, full of life, and in better shape than I'll ever be, I'm still going to get a work-up on him, just to rule that out. Many, many thanks .

[Christie M]

Just another thought - perhaps conditioning him to a basket muzzle would give you complete confidence that he couldn't injure anyone while you work on behavior modification. We have many, many dogs in and out of our house. Sometimes, we do have to separate. But mostly the dogs are taught to remove themselves from the situation when they are stressed.

[lucy40]

Thanks, Christie,
I've wondered about the use of the basket muzzle, but wondered if this would make him feel vulnerable with four other shepherds who aren't wearing muzzles, and would then lead to increased reactivity? I'm open to any viable solution and appreciative of ideas. I'm really curious about how your pups have learned to separate themselves when they're feeling stressed. That's fantastic, and I know many humans who aren't self-aware enough to do that!