[BigBys]

Aggression is often exhibited by abused dogs. However, I have a 3 year-old male Beagle who is starting to show (again) aggressiveness--he does not want to be left alone especially during bed time and he shows it by growling. When we have to leave him for a few hours, we leave him out but we return to find things that he has eaten and chewed on. This morning, he had to be placed in his pen but he bit my wife on the fingers and drew blood.

We don't hit him, although he had a history of aggressiveness when he was still a year-old but we were able to keep that in check.

He is very well-loved by the members of the "pack" and that keeps me wondering what seems to be wrong?

 

[MuzzlesMom]

Try to show him that there is something positive connected to his nook. Reward him with his favorite treats when he goes in and settles down. Or you can try designating a special treat that he can immediately associate with his living quarters once he sees it. A couple of magic words while giving the treat will also reinforce the connection. For the first few times, expect him to whine in his pen but he will eventually settle down.

 

[chris1203]

That's very good advice, MuzzlesMom. Dealing with aggression in a dog does not have to be a big problem if you know of the proper corrective steps to take.

 

[Snoopy]

Dogs are oftentimes like people, they have their tantrums and it's the poor owners choice to face it squarely or let it pass away.

By the way, you said that the same problem occurred before and disappeared and now resurfaced. Perhaps something triggered it (being an abused dog and all). or perhaps you can blame it on the hormones =)

How is he now? Still acting up?

 

[Orrymain]

Another thing to look at potentially is if there have been any changes in the family? Any new pets? That can sometimes have a big affect on the dogs.

 

[BadgersMom]

Mine has recently started to show aggression when he is walking on the leash with me towards other dogs and people, he howls and snaps at them, this has just started in the last week and I'm not sure why. He is fine off leash he goes to a daycare place when i am at work and gets along great with all the dogs there. He just turned 1 as well so I'm not sure if this is an age thing? Any suggestions?

 

[BigBys]

Another thing to look at potentially is if there have been any changes in the family? Any new pets? That can sometimes have a big affect on the dogs.

I agree. I had this experience when another beagle arrived to join the family and there a few days of tension within the dog members. However, I think they finally made their peace with each other for they were playing together after a week.

 

[Donna V]

Dogs get aggressive for different reasons.. Sometimes they are unhappy and can't tell you what it is. If destroying things is a problem...boredom is...get different toys and interests....take the beagle out for walks before you leave so they know you spent time with them and they had their "walk".
Sometimes it is a dominance thing...if the owners are not the leader, the beagle will take over and thinks that they need to protect you from the rest of the world. Be assertive and in control on the walk. They can still smell but you are incharge.

 

[mapleleafs]

I have a serious problem with my little boy he is agressive around food. whenever I make a turkey sandwich or I am trying to eat anything he will jump up and grab it out of my hand. one more problem he has is after he got bit by anothe dog he suddenly developed this fear of others dogs. what can I do to help him understand that other dogs are ok.

 

[BadgersMom]

I have a serious problem with my little boy he is agressive around food. whenever I make a turkey sandwich or I am trying to eat anything he will jump up and grab it out of my hand. one more problem he has is after he got bit by anothe dog he suddenly developed this fear of others dogs. what can I do to help him understand that other dogs are ok.

I would research a good trainer in your area and have a consultation. You will learn a lot. I have had Badger in two 2 hours training sessions and I got all the tools I needed to work with him. He still Barks, and is freaked by Huskys but he is getting better each day.

With the fear of other dogs, I would reccommend joining a dog walking group or go to a daycare facility where he can be socialized with well balanced dogs.