Older dog has nipping problem. help?

I have a mixed lab whos 10-11. He is the sweetest dog and had never hurt anyone before a year ago. In the last year he randomly jumps up and clamps or nips random people on his walks. He doesnt growl or ever break the skin. My whole family is confused and angry that he does this. How can i get him to stop or change? In the last year hes done it about 6 times.

Older dog has nipping problem. help?
not sure about how to control the jumping at random.. except maybe a shorter leash? - the snapping might be controlled by a muzzle.


Beats having an emergency room visit for a dog bite. Not to mention the 10 day stay (in this neck of the woods anyway) for your pet at the vet under quarantine, that U get to pay and any medical bills incurrred by the unsuspecting walker-by.





Dogs do pick up on the tensions of their masters.. are these things happening while U R under duress? Or anxious? -- just wondering if your critter was trying to save U from ___..???





I wish U luck!!
Reply:I think your dog is having sensory problems because he is old. Hearing and vision problems perhaps? And this could lead to fear aggression. Or he could have small bouts of epilepsy without you realizing it.


Epilepsy can contribute to fear aggression. Thyroid problems may affect a dog's mood. A dog with vision or hearing problems may be afraid of what they cannot hear or see; a dog with an ear infection may become unusually sensitive to sound. A dog in chronic pain (such as a dog with hip dysplasia or arthritis) may be cranky and indisposed to tolerate nonsense.