why biting?

I'm not sure if I'm at the right forum. We have a Shi-tzu, 4 years old. He has never been aggressive. A very loving and gentle dog. However, lately he has been chasing another male dog and barking at him like he is going to eat him up. A few days ago I needed to bathe Gizmo and wouldn't let me pick him up. He kept running from me. Finally he crashed on the bed and I bent down to pick him up and he growled at me. I kept saying "good boy, good boy". He continued to growl. I scooped under him and he bit me! Hard! Hard enough to draw blood. This is the first time he has ever bitten. I can't believe he bit me. It really hurt my feelings. My husband then came in and just picked him right up. We recently got a new bed and it is very high off the floor. Gizmo sleeps with us every night. He couldn't get in the new bed. I bought the doggy steps, he won't use them. He has always been afraid of stairs. He jumps from the very top. So anyway, I always pick him up and put him the bed. This morning he was barking at me to let me know he wanted in the bed. I bent down to scoop him up under his belly and he turned and snapped at me. What is going on? Could he be in some sort of pain? I'm starting to really worry and it hurts me that he is angry enough at me to bite me.

I would definitely take Gizmo to the vet for an examination. Whenever a dog or cat has a behaviour change it is usuallly because something is bothering them. Perhaps he hurt himself jumping on or off the bed. Or there could be any number of things internally that would cause him to be in pain so it's best to get him to a vet asap. Good luck and keep us posted. :fingerscr

It is hard for a dog to communicate what is wrong and the only why they can try and tell us is in a change of behavoir, this way we will sit up and take notice, A vet visit would be a good idea, they would be able to advise you in why this is happening, or what steps to take. hope all goes well for you and you furbaby and keep us posted :goodvibes:

Your dog just lost all house priviledges. Start practicing NIFL... google nothing in life for free. Do not allow him to sleep on your bed unless you feel he's running the household? Put a leash on him and anytime he is on something you don't want him on, take hold of the leash and tell him off. He growls... yank him off the item by the leash. Do not tolerate this behaviour. He thinks he's boss. This is not uncommon from the shihtzu's we have seen in rescue when around his age to test the waters particuliarly when they have been allowed free rein in a house. Get tough but kind. Draw the line with him because the next time it might not be you but a friend.

When he growls at you don't try to coax or calm or reassure him by saying 'good boy' as you are only re-enforcing this bad behaviour.

Thank you to all who posted. Gizmo has an appointment to see the vet. I'll see what she says and let you know. He is pretty much spoiled. He is the first dog I've ever had and it is pure love for me. I didn't realize how much someone could love a pet. Thanks again.