Change of Temperment

[SGTJOE]

My 9 year old Shih Tzu has changed her temperament recently. When I would walk her she would always greet other dogs her size or smaller with a wagging tail. The last few months she now greets new dogs her size or smaller by trying to attack them, fortunately I have her on a tight leash. Any thoughts as to what is causing this?

[rockhillmanor]

Nutinelse2do wrote:
Could be an indication of vision loss. They are less secure in their surroundings, and natural instinct is self preservation. I too would recommend a professional examination.
Good luck, and please keep us updated.

X2
It is usually due to vision loss as the dog gets older. The eyes won't look cloudy to the untrained owner but a vet can confirm this for you.

We have another Shih Tzu and a cat and there is never a problem.

Dogs are just like people actually even better in remembering because they have a better sense of smell. You dog knows by the smell that these are her friends.

When their vision starts going if the new dog or person they encounter is not someone they know they have the instinct to protect themselves. Pretty common in the senior dog.

[SGTJOE]

CA Poppy, the tight leash may explain why she acts different when off the leash. I'll try not to pull the leash in shorter. I use a regular length not a retractable.

[CA_POPPY]

Sometimes as dogs get older they get a little temperamental. She's got her reasons, whatever they are. Do most people where you walk allow their dogs to "say Hi"? As our little dogs got older, we stopped requiring them to do that. We just gave other dogs and owners a wide berth and said, "we're retraining." Keep her leash loose, not taut, as a tight leash transmits your tension to the dog (per Cesar, Dog Whisperer.) This helped a lot when we had the issue.

[SGTJOE]

Thank you for all the suggestions. What I'm noticing is that this only happens with dogs she doesn't know. We have another Shih Tzu and a cat and there is never a problem. We are snow birds and often see folks from the previous year and Cookie has no problem with dogs she met last year, even with one she only met once the previous year. In Yuma I found that there was no aggressive temperament if she was off the leash when we walked along the canal, if other dogs approached she would move directly behind me and go into her shaking routine.

We are in Tucson, AZ and I will have to see if anyone can steer me towards a good Vet.

[Pawz4me]

Ditto the recommendation for a thorough vet exam. In addition to the things already suggested I would want to have her thyroid checked. Hypothyroidism is extremely common in middle-aged and older dogs and can cause behavior changes. Thankfully it's easily (and inexpensively) treated.

From a training standpoint, I'd recommend being careful about the tight leash. Tightening up on a dog's leash often says "Danger! Danger!" to them. So you may inadvertently be making the problem worse.

[Nutinelse2do]

Could be an indication of vision loss. They are less secure in their surroundings, and natural instinct is self preservation. I too would recommend a professional examination.
Good luck, and please keep us updated.

[punomatic]

Our Moxie made this change after we left her at a doggy daycare where, unknown to us, they put all the dogs out in the yard together, whether chihuahuas or great danes. She used to be the world's friendliest dog. Now our Lulu is a mess if another dog is within 50 yards.

[doxiemom11]

Could be a sign of cushings disease. I agree, head to the vet to find out what's going on.

[kmbernstein]

First thing you should do is head to your vet for a complete check up. Could be a sign of pain or illness. If all is clear, find a good trainer certified in correcting animal behavior problems. Even though you have him on a leash, you never know if he will get out and hurt another dog, or worse, another person. Good luck!