Rotty Rachel

Question
We have had our Rotty (Rach) for 5 years now. She has been a wonderful dog until just recently. We moved and she of course came with us. She seemed to be really happy but today she nipped at our 11 month old son and she has been growling at me nothing serious or so I thought. My 10 year old son was devistated when he watched her do this. She was getting lots of attention my husband and son were both petting her, before she tired to nip at him she licked our 11 mth old several times. It bothered me alot. We love her so much but I am starting not to trust her.
Please if you have any suggestions we are opened to them. I am not sure what to do. She has been like I said before a wonderful dog until just recently.

Answer
Hi Kristen,

I understand your concern.

How long ago did you move? Pet owners are often baffled by their pets' behavior during and after a move. Sometimes it's a personality change such as aggression, sometimes it's a regression in housebreaking habits or a sudden unexplained illness. Dogs can find moving very stressful.

One cause of aggressive biting is pain. The first step with any behavioral change should always be a trip to the  veterinarian.

In the case of sudden aggression, snapping can be the first sign of underlying (and treatable) medical problems. Chronic ear infections, for example, can be extremely painful, and the dog whose sore ear is handled may lash out in pain. The aches and pains of advancing age can also shorten the fuses of some dogs. At 5 years, your Rottweiler could be having some pain from hip/elbow dysplasia.
Other conditions which could cause a gentle dog to become aggressive are: orthopedic abnormalities, gastrointestinal discomfort or serious illnesses, such as cancer or thyroid imbalance.

Take the nipping seriously, before the behavior escalates to more serious acts. Once medical problems are ruled out, ask your veterinarian to recommend someone qualified in dealing with behavior problems. Not all dog trainers are equipped to handle aggression, but good professional help is available. Many trainers/behaviorists work in conjunction with veterinarians to treat aggression; occasionally using medicines to treating aggressive tendencies.

I hope I've been a help.

Best of luck,

Patti