Golden retriever became very aggressive

Hey

Well, I have a golden retriever who was a very normal dog, but some months ago he started to become aggressive. He would growl if I don't let him do things that he wants to do, like go to places of the garage he's not allowed into, get back in the house after I walk him, etc. He never even complained before and didn't even try to do stuff like not getting back inside our house.

Today my other dog approached him as usual (they get along pretty well) and he started to try and mount/bite him really aggressively, so I intervened and got the dobie inside and pulled the retriever out with care, but he immediately bit my hand

I don't know what to do. How do I stop this kind of behavior?

I'm kind of desperate because it's too much imo, but I don't want to beat him or anything to control him.

Thank you

How old is your golden retriever? And is your other dog male or female? Are they neutered or not?
Has anything changed in your home recently?
Has he had a vet check to see if there is a physical cause to his aggression, eg pain/neurological problems?

There can be many causes for sudden aggression in dogs, best thing is probably to go to the vet and check your dog thoroughly and then go from there. Is there a behaviourist who you could consult in your area?

He's 4 years old. My other dog is 5 months old and a male, but he's been like this some time before he came in. They're not neutered, and they're been both very healthy dogs.

I guess I'm gonna have to take him to the vet, but I haven't seen any behaviourist around, though.

It's difficult to advise on issues of aggression over the net but in general I'd be inclined to start clicker training and hand feeding so your dog is looking to you for his cues and more interested in doing what you want.

I'm not generally one who advises people to consult a vet for ever little behaviour issue but in your case I would get him checked as he could have some underlying pain or discomfort causing him to be grumpy.

I can't tell you why your dog has become aggressive, because it's difficult to see what's really going on from a distance (and also because I'm not a professional). All I can do is give you suggestions and ideas based on the knowledge and experience I have.

You would need to describe exactly the situations in which he was aggressive, what was going on etc.
The fact that it started a few months ago and that he didn't have any history of being aggressive before that (I assumed that from your post, correct me if I'm wrong) suggests that there was a change in his environment (the arrival of a new puppy, person of the household leaving etc) or that he could perhaps have a medical problem. Brain tumours for example can cause sudden, unexplained aggressive behaviour while (in the beginning stages) not showing any obvious signs of sickness, as can dementia and other neurological illnesses.

Definitely need a full Vet check over first of all

Hm I agree with what has already been said. I would certainly seek the advice of a behaviourist.

I also assume from your post that this sort of behaviour has started recently which leads me to believe this is something to do with the arrival of your new puppy.

AND don't ever consider "beating him or anything to control him" I think he needs your understanding not condemnation.

What has your relationship been like? Are you both well bonded? Does he greet you when you've been away? Does he follow you around the house? Is he well exercised? How many commands has he been taught?

Make a careful note of what triggers him. Do not let him be aggressive to your puppy, so don't leave them alone.

Let us know more and I think you might get some more advice.

Thank you all for your advice. I did take him to a vet (a normal one, there's no behavior specialists around) and he seems to be in perfect health. The vet told me that maybe I spoiled him too much when he was young and now he just attacks when he's told not to do something that he wants to do. He says I might have not noticed before because I didn't put many restrictions and he did as he pleased, therefore didn't feel the need to be aggressive. He loves me very much (he'll come running anytime he sees me with a smile on his face) but apparently I spoiled him to be a brat and I'm not sure how to fix it

It's great you got any health issues ruled out and you now know its a behavoural issue.Can't advise,sorry,but I really hope other members can help and give you some advice.Good luck xx

Did your vet do blood tests especially for thyroid problems? If he hasn't he doesn't know you dog is in good health.

That is a load of rubbish, your vet is not a dog trainer or behaviourist, far to many vets are damaging dogs by the wrong advice they are giving.

Growling is communication not aggression, we need to listen to our dogs then work with them to get what we want. We have better brains than our dogs .

Can you tell us when your dog is growling, what you and he is doing and how you deal with it? The more information you give the better.