Expert: Lucy O'Brien - 10/15/2008

Question
I have a 1 1/2 year old male silky terrier, Arnold.  I have had him since he was 6 months old and he is familiar with my family.  For the last few months Arnold has been getting very aggressive with my dad (barking, chasing, nipping).  The odd thing is that he only engages in this behavior if there is someone else around when my dad is around.  My dad has said several times that he and Arnold are best friends when it is just he and Arnold, but the minute another person enters the home Arnold gets aggressive with my dad.  I'm not sure why this has started or how to change this.  He is aggressive with other dogs (barking - I haven't let him get close enough to see if he would bite), and he goes nuts when other new people are in the house - he doesn't bite but he gets very excitable and completely out of control so much so that I worry he may end up nipping someone just because he is so excited.  He does seem to enjoy being around people, but he just jumps and climbs and is generally very excited.  He is such a sweet dog and is so loving, and I just want everyone else to see that and not let give him a bad rap.

Answer
Hi

This sounds interesting but is unfortunately too complicated to answer without being seen - you need to get someone round to assess what is happening.

Do check it is actual aggression he is showing to your dad, not over-excitement or play.  Is he afraid of your dad but gains confidence from others in the room?

With visitors, use a hose line to control him and ensure he understands and responds to a 'sit' command for food rewards.

As a terrier bred to work he needs plenty of free running off lead - ensuring he has at least one hour a day will help calm him down immensely.  Again. a qualified instructor will be able to help you socialise him safely with other dogs.

Good luck

Lucy