Sudden change in behavior
My husband passed away in December. Our German Shepherd mix is still grieving him, looks for him, wouldn't eat for a while.
Our AKC GS suddenly seems fearful, uncertain of herself, nervous - yesterday I had some work done on the house and after a day of the worker giving her dog biscuits and playing catch with her all of a sudden she growled and showed her teeth and I think she would have nipped him (she was looking down at his shoes).
She stopped as soon as I said her name but then she stood behind me. She's a big dog, about 100 pounds, listens very well, is a genuinely good dog - but her behavior absolutely stunned me. She is somewhat shy, was abused as a puppy (her previous owner let his 2 year old play with her unsupervised and he dropped her down a flight of stairs but I've had her since she was 7 weeks) but she's never been aggressive (if that's the word).
Any thoughts? I was thinking perhaps some sort of training class because she seems to have lost her confidence. I don't think she has a problem with other dogs - ?
I play ball with her literally for hours every day and also have hired someone (and she loves him!) who comes to the house and plays ball with her when I am working but she is high energy.
I spoke with my Vet today - he just saw her about a month ago - and he said there is nothing wrong with her physically, he thinks she's just shaken and grieving. My husband was taken from the house by ambulance and now she trembles when she hears sirens so I'm sure all the commotion has stayed with her.
Sorry this is so long but I'm really concerned -