Pet Information > ASK Experts > Dogs > Dog Breeds > Basset Hound > bassett hound

bassett hound

19 14:49:24

Question
Hello!
My basset named Sampson is going on 4 years old.  He has a big brother (pitt/mastiff mix) and a little brother (Maltese) that he has known since he came to live with us.  We got him as a puppy and he has always been happy-go-lucky fun dog.  Recently, however he has started acting jealous and snapping at the bigger dog (matiff/pitt mix).  The two of them have always played together and stay out in the yard together during the day.  But recently Sampson will bark and growl at Apollo for no reason.  Even if mu husband and I are sitting outside and NOT touching anyone Sampson will still attack Apollo if he walks by us as we sit there.  He doesn't actually bite, but will growl and bark and roll on his back under Apollo and start snapping (although he never makes skin contact).  Apollo just sits there and looks at him but we are very concerned about this behavior. (He hasn't barked/growled at the maltese yet but he also doesn't play with him as much as he used to...and the maltese stays inside all day and only goes out in the morning and evening to play.  They ysed to run around the yard together but now Sampson just sits there).

He is pooping and peeing normal and isn't losing weight or throwing up.  (He ate a rock one time and cost us a pretty penny having it removed once we noticed his weight loss).  He still comes to us when we call him and wags his tail but he is slow to come...even when they get there milk bones he is slow to take it and eat it.  Do you know of any possible problems that could have caused this drastic change so quickly?

My husband and I are going out of town in a few weeks for a 2 week time span and would like to have this hopefully resolved before we leave him with a pet-sitter.

Thank you for your time and help!
Katie Connors

Answer
Hi Katie...

It's always a good idea, with a sudden behavior change, to have a physical done.  Aggressive behavior CAN be a sign of illness though it's not a guarantee :)

This type of behavior should have been seen at around 12 -18 months (kelvin stage) not at 4 yrs. of age.  

There is a chance that something happened during the day.  I would strongly advise that you do not leave them alone together unsupervised until you get this sorted.  You thought the rock was expensive...wait until you have to get one or both of them sewn back together after a fight.  ;)

If he gets the all clear at the vet, message me back and we'll look at it from a behavior stand point.