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  1. #1
    Puppy MFL1's Avatar
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    Friendly lovable 11 month old lab starting to snarl and lunge at passing dogs --- what to do??

    Hello All:

    We are new to the forum. We have a wonderful American yellow lab. Her name is Elanor. She is just 11 months old. She is a delightful, friendly dog that comes from good lines. Her dad was a field champion, her mom had two registered parents (the mom was not registered).

    Elanor has been developing nicely. We have had her in training since she was 10 weeks old. Lots of "click and treat" and generally good results.

    She gets tons of exercise, usually two hard runs per day. Her morning run is at a dog park and she has great social relationships with the other dogs there. She loves to retrieve, as you would expect, and she loves to run with a stick and have other dogs chase her.

    So, here is the issue. In the last 4-6 weeks we have noticed the appearance of some undesirable behavior. The typical scenario is this --- she is on lead, just outside our house, and she is perhaps just hanging out with one of us. Then, another dog walks by, with its owner and on lead, and when the dog walking by passes without interacting with Elanor, Elanor sort of loses it --- she lunges on the lead, she barks and growls in a menacing manner (which is totally out of character for her!), and when we go to settle her, she will snarl at us. She is normally your good natured, friendly, lovable lab, but in these instances in recent weeks it is as if she is another dog. We clearly do not want her doing this. We tell people she is a friendly dog and she loves to play, which is true and she loves to play with dogs. This objectionable behavior has emerged only in front of our house, when she is on lead, and the pass dog is steered clear of Elanor (usually because the owner of the passing dog does not want their dog to play, they are in a hurry, or some such thing).

    So, what to do? We know she is in her adolescence. We imagine she feels some sense of territoriality. But, she cannot be snarling and lunging.

    Suggestions? Ideas? Pointers? Tips? Videos?

    Thank you so much!
    Last edited by MFL1; 09-04-2015 at 07:48 PM.

  2. #2
    Senior Dog Snowshoe's Avatar
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    Snarling? I think you need someone to come in and observe. If you mean by snarling what I understand snarling to be (come any closer to me and I'll rip you to pieces) that is seriously bad behaviour and you need help from someone experienced in dog behaviour.

    I also strongly suggest a Vet check. Health concerns can provoke a change in behaviour. Thyroid imbalance is one that comes to mind. Worse, I do know of a situation with a brain tumour.

    That's not a normal coming of age change for a Labrador Retriever.

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  4. #3
    Puppy MFL1's Avatar
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    Good question --- maybe snarling is the wrong word, no baring of teeth and that "rip you to pieces attitude." However, pulling on the lead and barking in what seems to be not so friendly manner. Having an observation is a good suggestion, thank you.

  5. #4
    Senior Dog smartrock's Avatar
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    Displaying some leash aggression, maybe? Handling On-lead Aggression | Suzanne Clothier

    Maybe something a trainer can help with.
    Sue

    Chase 9/29/2006- 6/30/2017 Always in our hearts
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    “Because of the dog's joyfulness, our own is increased. It is no small gift. It is not the least reason why we should honor as well as love the dog of our own life, and the dog down the street, and all the dogs not yet born. What would the world be like without music or rivers or the green and tender grass? What would this world be like without dogs?”

    Mary Oliver, Hidden Content

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  7. #5
    Senior Dog POPTOP's Avatar
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    Hello and Welcome!

    Totally agree with the other posts, have a professional observe her behavior and interpret it for you.
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  8. #6
    Puppy MFL1's Avatar
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    Thank you everyone! This is helpful. The Clothier article seems very relevant upon reading it.
    Last edited by MFL1; 09-04-2015 at 10:40 PM.

  9. #7
    Senior Dog Meeps83's Avatar
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    At 11 months she's a teenager. It might be a fear stage or her trying out being territorial. I'd also recommend speaking with a trainer and a vet visit.

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  11. #8
    Senior Dog Labradorks's Avatar
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    Sounds like she might be leash reactive. Best to get help with that now before it becomes a bigger issue. It's not that uncommon for a dog to be leash reactive, but no, it is not typical Labrador adolescent behavior.

    Did you receive information on the parents' health clearances? Hips, elbows, eyes, heart, etc.

  12. #9
    Senior Dog Charlotte K.'s Avatar
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    The Clothier article is a good start. Do be aware that her breed is German Shepherd Dogs. I do think this is adolescence and needs to be handled proactively. You need to be calm and aware of who and what is walking by, while being prepared to redirect her.

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  14. #10
    Senior Dog ZoeysMommy's Avatar
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    Sounds like the leash is to blame in my opinion and probably being a little territorial especially considering you said she plays daily with other dogs at the dog park which is off leash, so she isnt dog aggressive. There is really nothing wrong with a dog barking on there own property but i would probably discontinue sitting outside with her on a leash until you determine if she is truly leash reactive

    For what its worth my 6 year old female lab is the sweetest and quietest dog you could imagine but if she sees a dog walking in front of the house or near the back wall she barks pretty loudly and its sounds quite mean. Labs are big dogs with a big dog bark

 



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