certain situations? I have a small - medium sized maltese poodle cross who is 3 years old. I have had him since he was 3 months. The dog is very loyal to family and friends but very cautious with strangers. The dog has been socialised with other dogs and humans but I live alone so he is not always around a lot of other people. Occasionally he displays very aggressive / almost rabid behaviour to strangers, he goes to bite at the knee or hand, and growls/barks aggressively at them. He has never actually bitten or drawn blood but is very aggressive, lunging at them and snapping. It happens a few times a year and occurs very randomly and I have notice any warnings signals or patterns. It hasn't happened for about 6 months so i thought the various techniques I have tried helped but just yesterday for no reason, we passed the elderly lady next door and she reached to pat him and barked, growled and lunged at her snapping and wanting to bite her 3 or 4 times .
I am very embarrassed that my dog displays this bad behaviour. Any helpful feedback on how to change this behaviour would be appreciated.
I am very embarrassed that my dog displays this bad behaviour. Any helpful feedback on how to change this behaviour would be appreciated.