My 8.5 year old terrier mix has started having bouts of aggression. Usually it happens when I am on the couch. Either when I grab office supplies (pencils, journals, coloring books)
He will jump into my lap and try to push those things away. If I tried to push him away he refuses and if I try too many times he starts to snarl and snap.
I have been trying to talk to him calmly and to send him to his kennel. In the past that worked, but now when he gets to his kennel and I shut the door he starts to snarl and scream at me as I lock the door. Then he screams and throws a tantrum. Eventually when I let him out he’s usually calmed down, but I cannot resume whatever activity I was doing.
This morning I woke up earlier than normal. I let him out of his kennel because I figured we could get a hour or two of snuggles before I had to start getting ready. He wouldn’t go outside (that’s the first thing we do every morning) and then when I went to sit down on the couch he threw himself in my lap because he wanted food. I said no but he didn’t stop. I pushed him away, he snarled and snapped. So I had to get him into his kennel (now he only goes if I say treat) and he screamed and snarled while I shut the door.
It’s only specific things that trigger him, but when he’s triggered he’s a totally different dog.
Any advice? He’s very, very food motivated.
submitted by /u/Fast-Environment6244
[link] [comments]