Teejay is my older dog - he is now 6. From the day we got him he's displayed no behavioural problems at all. He has always been the kind of dog you can do anything with - his temperament has been as sound as a bell. He accepted little Buddy into the family last May and they have been good companions - no problems playing together/eating together etc. The only thing he will not tolerate is when Buddy disturbs him when he's asleep (rightly so) - he gives a warning growl and Buddy soon leaves him alone.

However over the last few weeks Teejay has started to be a bit bolshie with me. He has started to object to me doing things to him like checking his feet, clipping his nails, or combing any tangles from his coat. He will curl his lip or even try to snap. This has come as a major shock considering how passive and gentle he was before. I imagine he could be doing it because he knows it works when he tells Buddy off so he thinks he can try it on with me.

Do you think this phase will pass ? I'm just not sure how to handle it at all.

Joyce

Hi Joyce
do you think he's in any sort of pain or discomfort ?? and so doesn't like being 'fiddled' with ?
other than that -I don't know .....sorry
Liz :)

Hi Joyce, agree with Liz. Somrthing may be hurting him or he could be going down with something.
Christine, Spain.

Hello my chelsea is the same way. shes now six and never use to mind being pulled about when i had to but now its a job and a hafe to do anything with her. I really think that its just their age as long as you have checked that nothing is wrong.
alex, norfolk

I would take him to the vet for a complete check up just incase he is in discomfort or pain, just to be on the safe side.
my little 8 year old yorkie x was the same you could do anything with him , he was fit did agility enjoyed life to the full , then he changed did not like me grooming him or mucking about, turned out he had arthritis in his back legs , once he was on treatment for that he went back to his ususal self ( without the agility ).
Take him for peace of mind, i'm glad i took mine

Let us know how you get on

Deary

I'm ashamed to say that I never thought about the possibility of there being something physically wrong with Teejay - I was just associating it with the arrival of Buddy.

The suggestion to have him checked over at the vets is one I'll certainly follow up.

I would definitely agree that a vet check is in order, because I know that a behaviourist would say that any "overnight" change in a dog's behaviour warrants looking at closely and having a thorough vet check. It may not be something obvious so make sure that, if the vet gives him a physical once over and declares he is OK, but he still continues to act strangely to you, take him back and insist on a really thorough check including blood etc.

Not meaning to worry you! But if he has been fine and indeed very good temperament wise for 6 years he must be either physically or mentally out of sorts.

Which brings me to my second suggestion, dogs do suffer from stress and it is just possible that he is a bit stressed and upset, maybe he finds Buddy a bit much at the moment. He may be feeling "grumpy".

If after all this you still cannot find out what is wrong, I would be inclined to contact a reputable behaviourist who will keep at it and help you.

Lindsay

Hi Lindsay
I think your suggestion that Teejay could be feeling a bit out of sorts and grumpy is quite near the mark. He does put up with quite a lot from Buddy - nothing nasty, just the usual playing and pestering.

I think that because Teejay was an 'only' dog for 5 years he is not entirely happy about having to share my attention with a young whippersnapper ! :D
I am now making a conscious effort to give him more special times with just me and him to try and make him feel as good as he did before. :)

Thanks to all for your helpful comments.
Joyce