Gordon Setter Forum:
New Agressive Behavior

HELP!! My "husband to be" is being held captive in his own house by my Gordon Setter!!

In the past 6 months, my 6 year old, in tact, male Gordon, "Briar" (Ch. Chapman Jackson) has had some MAJOR changes in his environment. At Christmas, we lost his lovely 9 year old mother to a brain tumor, and one month later he and I moved 2300 miles across the country where I am to be married soon. John owns 20 acres of land and raises quarterhorses (he is away from our home at his office weekdays). Since the move I have been home with Briar every day. Although he has always been very close to me, this 24 hour a day thing, coupled with these other changes have made him even more dependent and he is now practically "velcroed" to me. Now the BIG problem: He has become very aggressive to John. John, who is a natural animal lover, has always been very sweet, kind and loving to Briar, and they had what seemed to be a good relationship going, although from time to time there would be a moment when

Sounds like you have your hands full. Could Briar be trying to get the Alpha male position in the family? Also, Gordons are known for being a one person or one family dog....much like the Chessie. I think your fiance should start really showing his dominance over Briar. I notice that your dog is a Champion.....is he one of those big show Gordons? If that is true, your man will have his hands full trying to dominate him. Good luck!