My Pooch

[Flossy3]

I have a 3 year old Whippet cross Terrier who is the best natured pooch. We took him for a walk over our local part a couple of weeks ago and let him off the lead which we always do, he loves running so he went running off and saw another dog - a staffy - and apparently snapped at it coz the owner came after me and gave me a right earful about it, threatening to kill my dog if he went nears his again. I have never known my dog to do this to other dogs, sometimes he does bark at them, but mostly he just sniffs them. Today, however, things got even worse. I took him for a walk around the block like I do every morning, we saw a couple of cats that he barked at but the worse thing was, as we were walking down my street back towards home, an older man in a black puffa jacket with the hood up was walking towards us and my dog jumped up him and snapped at his arm. Thankfully, after apologising to the man and asking if he was alright (he was really pissy with me which is understandable) he said yes and carried on walking. I can understand my dog was possibly protecting me, but my god I was so worried and even angry afterwards. Its getting so I am probably going to have to get a muzzle which will make everyone who sees my dog out on walks think he is vicious and he really isnt. Does anyone have any ideas what could be causing his change in attitude towards dogs/people?

[lankeela]

Problem is he doesn't have to actually bite someone for them to report him as being out of control and this could even result in a destruction order. You MUST keep him under close control when there are people or dogs about. Keep him on a short lead, or use a flexi lead in the park. Only let him off when you are sure there is no-one else about, or until you have trained him to drop on command or return to you immediately. When walking near people make him sit or down and wait till they have gone past. As for a muzzle it doesn't matter what other people think provided you know he is safe. You could also try a Halti, which gives you more control of his head.

[Flossy3]

Thanks for your advice. He is on a short lead and now when we go out and I have someone coming near me I pull his lead around my hand a couple of times to shorten it. I just wish I could understand what has changed him.

[jaydah]

He is maturing & wants to guard you, you're his food source that he wont risk losing. Are there others to feed/walk him so he isn't so possessive of you ?

Staffies should always wear muzzles in public as they're bullies looking for a fight. imo