Hi all,

I have a 2 year old male black and tan long haired whose personality has changed over the past several months. He has bitten my husband twice and my 12 year old once. He is overly possessive of his crate and seems to only like me.

Has anyone else experienced a dog changing his personality like this? We just don't know what to do as a family. He is the oldest dog of the 4 that we have.

Any help anyone can give me would be appreciated.

Nearly all personality changes call for a visit to the vet unless you have already discussed the problem with the vet. You also need to talk about neutering him if not already. It is no cure all, but can make a big difference it what is most likely a matter of him challenging your husband's position as he matures. Much of a dogs personality depends on genetics and early socialization. The personality is not mature until 3 years old, and it is very common for a dog to challenge its owners then or before. Good or bad, a dog is likely to continue much like it was at 3 until aging related changes.

With somebody the right age in the family, 4-H dog training is a great idea.
In my area, clubs form soon after the first of the year. Even many urban
Areas have 4-H. For info look in your phone book under government listings
For extension or cooperative extension offices. Ask specifically about a dog
Or canine club. There may still be time to get in. If not, use another alternative. The dogs see all the people and dogs in the household as a
Pack with each having their own rank in the pack and a top dog. Life is much
Easier if the 2 legged pack members outrank the 4 legged ones. You can learn
To play the role of top dog by reading some books or going to a good obedience
Class. A good obedience class or book is about you being top dog, not about rewarding standard commands a treat. Start at http://www.dogsbestfriend.com/.

Correcting any physical problems, neutering, and obedience training should go a long way toward solving the problems with him. If you have already done most of that, post back, and I will work with you on some additional specifics.