Pet Health > BARKING AT VISITORS -NIPPING AT PANT LEG >

Ask Your Pet Question. Pet Experts Answer You ASAP.

(Not a Pet Question?)

We are not new to being pet owners. Ours dogs have all livmy cairn terrier (about 8yrs old) was adopted by my husband & I about yr & half ago. The 1st 3 months that we owned her she NEVER made a sound. Now she barks non stop at most but not all visitors even those that visit often. After 10 or more mins of this behavior, then continues to be "on guard" while they are present with some grumbling. Recently she has grabbedor bitten at the pant leg of3 men, 1 of whom she is familiar with. 1 an exterminator,1a real estate agent & the other family friend. We are not certain of her background, possibly the former owner went to a nursing home. My vet said Bonnie had a # of litters(we wonder if she was part of a PUPPY MILL. She is verysweet to us. Everyone in the park and area love her and she is receptive the petting but often nervous of the approaching hand, must have been in a quiet enviornment because trucks and other noises frighten her-she will walk w/ me and not my

Optional Information:
Age: 8; Female; Breed: CAIRN TERRIER

Customer (name blocked for privacy)

Status: Closed Value: $9

So Bonnie has only been with you for a few months? It could very well be that it took the first few months for her to become adjusted and feel that she's 'home', settled into and a part of your pack/den. Now that she has, she's decided that it's a valuable property to protect.

If you've noticed that she doesn't act this way out in the open (dog parks, etc) and just at home, then it's a territorial behavior.

Here are a couple helpful links for you to explore options offered step by step

http://www.sfspca.org/behavior/controlling_agg.shtml

http://www.pethelp.net/aggdog.html#territory

It sounds like you're pretty patient. I think this will be Bonnie's lifeline (your home). We've taken in some pretty abused animals (outside of this site, we are an animal rescue/care org) and while not all of them can be rehabilitated and loved - we know that no matter how long they are loved, whether there's just a day left in their lives or another ten years, it's better than never knowing it at all.

Check back and let me know how it goes with her ok? She's still adjusting, she's still learning you. Hang in there.

Many have forgotten this truth, but you must not forget it.

You remain responsible, forever, for what you have tamed.

Reply to TheCaretaker's Post: bONNIE HAS BEEN WITH US FOR 1 1/2 YRS. SHE DID NOT BARK AT ALL FOR THE FIRST 3 -4 MONTHS. SHE NOW BARKS NON STOP AT VISITORS EVEN AT SOME WHO SHE HAS MET MANY TIMES BEFORE.

I AM REALLY CONCERNED ABOUT THE FACT THAT SHE HAS NIPPED OR BIT AT THE PANT CUFFS OF 3 MEN WHO CAME INTO OUR HOME. ONE OF THEM SHE IS FAMILIAR WITH. THEY DID NOTHING TO UPSET HER. THEY WERE SIMPLY WALKING AROUND INSIDE OUR HOME. MY 8 YR OLD GRNDDGHTR,. WAS HUGGING BONNIE AND SHE SAID THAT BONNIE BIT HER ON THE LIP. I SAW NO SIGNS OF INJURY, BUT WE WERE BOTH VERY UPSET.

WHEN WE BROUGHT HER HOME, SHE WOULD GO FOR WALKS WITH MY HUSBAND AND/OR MY ADULT DAUGHTER. SHE DID THAT FOR ABOUT 4 MONTHS. SHE NOW REFUSES TO GO WITH THEM. SHE HAS REALLY BONDED WITH ME. BECAUSE OF THIS SHE MISSES OUT ON A LOT OF WALKS WITH THEM. THANK YOU PEGGY

Sorry I messed up on the time frame - that does make a big difference. It would qualify this as sudden onset aggression and many times there's an organic cause, often with the thyroid, but it could be a tumor or disease elsewhere as well (usually brain-related for neuro symptoms like this).

Some studies through Tufts University suggest that this behavior is related to a 'partial seizure disorder', although it frequently shows as aggression upon awakening.

Taking your companion to be evaluated for underlying causes would be prudent and explaining the course of symptoms to the vet, plus suggesting the possiblities mentioned. Some vets may be experienced with this as a symptom, while others may not believe there's a connection.

It may involve a battery of tests, but the vet should offer them one at a time, step by step, eliminating things as they move along.

With your experience and obvious devotion to this girl, if it's ultimately behavior related, I'm positive it can be addressed with some modifications and positive reinforcement of positive behaviors; however, now that the time line is clear to me, I'm strongly leaning in the direction of an organic cause and she needs to have it diagnosed (and in most cases, there's treatment).

I hope it's something very simple and would appreciate it if you checked back to let me know. God bless,

Many have forgotten this truth, but you must not forget it.

You remain responsible, forever, for what you have tamed.

Think you can answer this question?
Login or Become an Expert

DISCLAIMER: You acknowledge that any information you may obtain from individuals you contact through use of the JustAnswer service comes from those individuals, not from JustAnswer, and that JustAnswer is not in any way responsible for any of the information these third parties may supply. The site and services are provided "as is" with no warranty and no representations are made regarding the qualification of an Expert. Responses and comments on JustAnswer are for general information and are not intended to substitute for informed professional advice (such as medical, legal, investment or accounting) and do not establish a professional-client relationship. JustAnswer is not intended or designed to address EMERGENCY QUESTIONS which should be directed immediately by telephone or in-person to qualified professionals. Please carefully read the Terms of Service.

JustAnswer > Pet Health

Related Answers