my dog bit me

Question
My family (wife, twins 15) have a 3 year old neutered cockapoo.  He has been a fun dog to be around, and very social.  About 6 months ago, he started becoming very defensive if someone was sleeping and lie on the floor by them and growl at anyone who came close.  Yesterday, he bit me hard when I was going to give him a bath.  He has been trained, and not abused in any way.  Do you have a direction to go for help.

Answer
Hi Bob,

It's not normal when a normally happy, loving dog is suddenly aggressive for no apparent reason. Pain, fear, and illness can all cause sudden behavior changes and temperament changes like aggression. Whenever a dog has a change in it's normal behavior, such as if it becomes suddenly aggressive, it's best to start the investigation of "why" with a vet exam.

Try to find out if he's annoyed by loud noises (possible ear or head trouble), if eating makes him grumpy (mouth or teeth problem), or if he gets snappish when you get too close to him (he's in physical pain).

If he's undergone a personality change, then it is serious, and you need to find out what's wrong.

Best of luck,
Patti