5. They Have Had Bad Experiences in the Past
Unfortunately, bad things happen to our dog friends, and they will remember. It happened with my first German shepherd, Hendrix. He was only about 9 weeks old when he was brought home. My ex had an intact adult male dog named Moose, and Moose decided he didn’t like Hendrix eating out of his food bowl. He then proceeded to snap at poor little Hendrix and bit his nose, to the point where he yelped in pain, and we had to take him to the vet because his nose was bleeding so much.
Ever since then Hendrix would growl at another dog if they tried to approach his food bowl. He never bit them, but he didn’t like it and warned them to back off. He was also not a fan of other male dogs after the experience unless they were puppies.
This is one example, but these experiences can be anything from places, people, things, other animals, or situations.
Never Hesitate to Consult Your Vet
Before you decide to give up on your dog or render them a lost cause, try to find the reason why your dog is acting out in this manner. If you’re unsure, it’s always best to ask a professional.
Your dog is only trying to communicate with you, and it’s up to us as dog parents and friends to not give up on them. If the roles were reversed, you wouldn’t want anyone to give up on you.
This article is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge. It is not meant to substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, or formal and individualized advice from a veterinary medical professional. Animals exhibiting signs and symptoms of distress should be seen by a veterinarian immediately.
© 2022 Sandra Ivonne
