[Crowman]

Our 2 yr. old basset has become aggressive in the past two weeks. He will be sleeping in a dark room, when he wakes up he goes after my husband growling and barking with much aggression. He then goes after our other dog. He has never bitten. Then after he is awake for a few minutes he will walk over to my husband for comfort. Then he will be fine.
We don't know what to do to help calm him. Any suggestions? He has been fixed. Thanks

 

[TeazelsMum]

Well obviously this is far from normal for the gentle Basset. I'd start by getting him to your vet for a checkup. And do it asap before this does develop into biting. It could be he just wakes suddenly and this is a knee-jerk reaction as he doesn't immediately know where he is.

I'd need to rule out some kind of brain function problem and was he neutered because of a medical problem?

 

[Mikey T]

I'd rule out some kind of brain function problem.

and eyesight and hearing issues as well.


But there is a reason for the adage of let sleeping dogs lie.

Why Is My Dog Aggressive When Woken Suddenly?

“Let sleeping dogs lie” is never more apt than if you have a dog that reacts when startled during sleep. For owners that are new to this scary reaction, it can be quite worrisome, especially if there are children, elderly or anyone with learning disabilities in the family.

thebark.com