I have a BT thats around 2 1/2 years old. About a year ago, she started growling (whilst eating) whenever we fed her. Gets very very angry. She used to be really good with people, but has since turned into an unpredictable dog which might turn around and snap at you if you try to pat her. Only me and my sister still stroke and pat her, but never for too long, just in case she suddenly turns around and snaps at us. Everytime she "goes crazy", she knows she's done something wrong -- she will lower her head and walk away sheepishly. How can I stop this aggressive behaviour? Whenever she can't get what she wants, she starts chasing her tail, barking, growling, and snapping at it like she wants to bite it off.. really frightening and appalling!

Any help is greatly appreciated! THanks in advance!
~Loopie

Has she seen a vet? It could be a mnumber of things, including a thryoid deficiency, which would need testing for.

We have consulted her vet, but the vet didn't seem to think much of it. Just told us she was probably just "being a rebel". No tests were done for thyroid deficiency, the possibility wasn't even raised by the vet. Could her drastic change in behaviour be because we sterilized her? Thanks

oh and i forgot to mention: When my sister picked her up from the pet groomers recently, everyone was patting her and saying how nice and friendly she was! Wierd, huh?

Spaying can affect a dogs temprement, but I would not have thought to that extent. If it is mostly over food, try feeding in a different part of the house and if you dare go back to the sort of training you would do with a puppy that growled over food. Don't risk getting bitten.

Think your vet should have been more helpfull you can't just dismiss snappy behaviour as naughty it has got to stop and you need to know that the dog has no health problem. Ja:)kie

Hi Loopie,
Do you think she may be challenging you for the higher rank. i.e. do you let her on the furniture, does she walk through doors first, do you feed her first? etc try getting your hands on a copy of The Dog Listner by Jan Fennell, this may help as it may be she is challenging you as she feels that she is the leader of the pack

Hope this may help.
Teeny Polo

Thank you all for your great help and suggestions. I will buy that book Teeny Polo recommended, and get the vet to check for thyroid deficiency. :)

~Loopie