Behavior problem

[Discussing Labradoodles & Goldendoodles]

Recently our Golden Retriever, Chesney, has become particularly clingy and protective. Eli, our Goldendoodle, almost 10 months old, is as large as Chesney and typically rambunctious. Up to now they have engaged in some pretty rigorous play but now Chesney has become protective of toys and
aggressive. A couple of days ago, at a routine vet visit for shots, he barked at a really massive bulldog type, both dogs had to be restrained (both were leashed) and I moved him to another part of the waiting room. This behavior is just not typical for Chesney. We acquired Eli several months after the sudden death of our older dog, Jax. Chesney really missed him and took to Eli pretty well. They play and walk together and we've never had a problem before now. We are in the process of moving and it worries me that we are projecting this anxiety onto the dogs even though we are careful not disrupt the routine and give plenty of exercise and affection to both. Today, Eli snatched a plastic scrubbie from the counter, Chesney got a hold of it and refused the command to drop it and snapped at my husband. I'd like to correct this behavior now to avoid any future problems but am beside myself as to how to go about it. Both are wonderful dogs and we love them dearly.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Has Chesney had any medical issues...sometimes that can trigger a sudden behavior change. You might want to ask your Vet to run some blood tests...particularly a thyroid panel.  In the absence of a physical cause, I'm thinking Chesney is just trying to test his position. You lost your other dog, you're moving...lots of changes that cause stress and can generate some negative behaviors.  You say that Chesney is becoming clingy and protective and even sometimes demonstrates aggressive behaviors.  I would stop the clinging and protection and make him earn all affection.  He should not be the one initiating it....you should instigate it when he has demonstrated a behavior that you approve of.   IMO affection needs to be a reward for these dogs (and I know because I have one).  He needs to know that you and your husband are the leaders...that you own everything in the house.  The fact that he snapped at your husband for trying to take away the scrubbie tells me that he wasn't respecting your DH at that time.  This may be a great time to reinforce some basic obedience training.  Good luck....I know how stressful this can be.

[Enid Ferner]

There is certain chemistry between dogs that sometimes changes once a puppy gets a little older and is near adult hood. This could be the reason, your Eli is now a little older and Chesney's feelings towards him may have changed - he doesn't see Eli as a "puppy" anymore.
(especially if they are the same sex) This happened to me years ago with my older Lab cross and my Golden Retriever pup, who was probably around the same age as your Doodle pup. In my case they started fighting and we had to keep them separated, hopefully your case isn't as extreme and you can somehow nip it in the bud now.

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

I would agree that age between the 2 males plays into all this. Except for the snapping at your husband. That part bothers me. I bred and raised, bred and showed Goldens for years and had some " territorial" issues, which are all normal...but never aggression against any member of the family.

[Enid Ferner]

Yes I remember the first squirmish my two dogs had were over a treasured toy. Then it just snowballed from there.... It just got worse until they couldn't be around each other, unfortunately.