[Digbydoodle]

We got our doodle at 9 months, we were his 3rd home in a year. In the past month he has become very protective when someone comes into the house that is a "stranger" to him. We barks at everything he see's when in the house, an airplane flew over yesterday and he went nuts like it was a car in the driveway. We had a friend over and he barked like crazy and I had a hold of him but he lunged at the girl and "nipped" at her leg, my mom and sister came to visit and he did the same thing to my sister. In the morning, she got up and went out to the kitchen (mind you he met her the night before and was fine with her after about an hour) he barked and nipped at her foot. He also nipped at my mom when he went to hug my son, he is very protective and we can't really let anyone in without putting him in his crate. We also had a neighbor come over and he wouldn't let the guy off the steps and just kept barking. He is great with us (mom, dad, kid) but anyone else he just goes nuts.

I can't take him to Petsmart anymore because I am afraid he will bite someone who just wants to see the doodle! It is very frustrating, he has had obedience and has been around other dogs, kids, strangers etc. something has just flipped in his brain. I am really confused at to what triggered this behavior.

Any suggestions or advice, Thanks in advance!

 

[Digbydoodle]

Thanks for the advice Maureen! we got him from a friend at my husband's work and seems the previous owner adopted him from a local shelter. He had some obedience, but the family had two other dogs and three kids, seems he was "too rambunious" (sp), he chases everything, he can't be off lead because for runs away. We have had him since Labor Day of 2005.

I was wondering about the "snapped" thing myself. I had a dalmation that I showed breed and we spent over a year with a private handler in training, I have had other dogs since Digby and the others were all well behaved in obedience and with children, strangers etc. As for the Petsmart thing, we would just take him for a "ride" to go shopping, but I agree with the training there (that is all I will say)

I am going to call the vet tomorrow to have him checked out, he has been scratching alot on his ears, maybe he has vertigo :wink:

I have never had a "rescue" before and wondering about the "before" with this guy. Thanks again!!