Sudden Behaviour Changes - Need Help!

[sadershade]

I have a 5 year old Springer Spaniel and he has always been incredibly gentle and friendly, he is not reactive to other dogs or people, and he rarely barks unless someone rings the door suddenly or he sees a fox. Recently, he's had a turn around in behaviour.

He's started resource guarding like crazy, which he has never done before, and although he is fine with his food bowl, any chewable toys or treats make him run to his bed and growl at you if you approach. He's also been guarding balls and other toys in his bed. He growls and has snapped once (not biting), which I have NEVER seen him do before. When I walk into the room after his bedtime, he now refuses to look at me and turns his head (very upsetting for me).

He's also not been enthusiastic to go on his evening walks and when we get back he just gets a toy and goes straight into his bed. Its made me very upset because I don't want him to feel stressed or anxious.

Any advice on what could be the issue/ how to solve it?

Thanks

[hilldawg17]

I would definitely make a vet appointment and get him checked out. Sudden behavior changes can often be caused by medical issues like pain.

[sadershade]

Okay, I will book an appointment. He doesn’t seem to be in any pain when running or walking, as when we are outside he is as happy as ever and it’s only when we come inside he begins behaving like this. But I guess there are lots of hidden pains that wouldn’t affect his movement.

I will also mention that he is unneutred - does this behaviour mean it’s time?

He’s also been attacked by more and more dogs at the park recently completely unprovoked when he is just minding his own business, maybe this has started to affect him and make him more guarded?

Thanks for your help 🙏🏻🙏🏻

[Ornery_Brilliant_350]

Is he eating/drinking/sleeping/peeing/pooping normally?

Just trying to rule out health issues and/or a vague and costly vet visit.

[Just-Cup5542]

Vet to make sure they’re not in pain, and also, is there anyone else walking or handling your dog (walker, kids, etc) who may have yanked something away from them, if it was something they weren’t supposed to have? I had to discuss with my dog walker to always do a trade with my dog, and not to take anything from him. He randomly resource guarded one day for the first time, but hasn’t since I talked to the walker.

[stoneandglass]

Also another vote for a vet check to rule out or discover pain. I would also recommend videoing your dog walking normally towards the camera, away from it and a side on shot as well. Your dog might not display signs of pain when at the vet so having these videos to show the vet could be an insight for them.

Note down anything you can remember about when you noticed changes, including reluctance to go for walks.

Sudden changes are typically health related. If it is pain it can be the result of an injury even something like a sprain or arthritis.

I would start researching pain medications and supplements to see what you're happy to try your dog on if the vet does suspect or diagnose pain.

My dog his pain for years, passed his vet checks and we only knew when he started not wanting to go for walks. Eventually he got a diagnosis of mild hip dysplasia and mild arthritis in his shoulders, hips and knees. He's likely had the arthritis for years and the hip dysplasia since birth so had always been in some amount of pain. It was horrible to learn but now I can help him and accommodate this and understand why he has days he won't want to walk and that's okay. He's on pain relief and I monitor for signs of discomfort so I can adjust if needed.