My Labrador who is nearly two has started being aggresive to people who come up and try and pat him.  He's fine with children, its just adults.  Its got to the stage where I'm really anxcious when I take him out.  He really goes mad when people come to the door etc.  Its been happening for about two months and getting worse.  He stayed in kennels for a week recently but he was acting like it before.  What should I do, I would be grateful if anyone could help. Thank you. Claire

He may be ill or have some sort of musculo skeletal problem.  First of all you should go to your vet to have any medical causes ruled out.

If necessary the vet will then refer you to a reputable behaviourist.

HI, JUST READ YOUR POST. I THINK YOUR DOG MAY HAVE BEEN HIT OR HAD SOMETHING THROWN AT IT BY AN ADULT !!!!!!!!!!!

RICHARD

By agressive do you mean barking?  My second dalmatian is a nightmare when people come and stroke her when we are out. She barks at everybody I wouldnt say she is a agressive and she only does it when my husband has her when I have she doesnt do it she is so obsessed with him.   Again she never does it to children just adults she adores children.  She also never does it when she has her show lead on.  I dont think there is anything much wrong with her that a couple of years with Dr Roger Mugford couldnt sort out.

I would go and get him checked out at at vet in the first instance and if he has a clean bill of health then look at getting a good reputable behaviourist to assess him.

What excatly does he do when you mention he is agressive ? Has he ever bitten anybody or attempted to ? Is he the same with dogs or is it just humans ?

Lucy
xx