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Dog barks aggressively when startled. How to manage fear aggression?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Male | 11 months and 10 days old | 58 lbs

Hi. Yesterday morning i woke up and my dog was still sleeping. I went to the other room took a candle and lit it. When i came back to that room with candle he saw me and started barking agressivly.I guess i scared him. Then i tried talking and saing him to sit but he didn't listen. Then i took chair to create some distance and started walking to him. Then he just started hiding and barking agresively. I didn't know what to do. Can you help me? How should i react next time ?btw this was 3rd time

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By C. Rathjens, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on January 15th, 2018

It does sound like you gave Marsis a fright. My short answer is that it would be a really good idea to have a consult with a veterinary behaviorist, although I don't know if that's an option in Lithuania. I think you made things worse in this situation by approaching him, especially if you were holding the chair out in an unusual way. He might have fear-based aggression, and is barking to try to make you go away. Avoid all situations where this has happened before (avoid the trigger, not the physical location) and if it happens again, leave the room rather than advancing on him and call him to you to give him a great treat. Never never never yell or punish him for showing aggression. His aggression may escalate and you accept some risk by living with him. I highly recommend getting in touch with a behaviorist to help get to the bottom of this and get him feeling more comfortable so you can have a good relationship for many years.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. Dayna, DVM, CVA

    Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

    Published on

    This concerns me that either he may not be seeing well, or perhaps he is having mini seizure event. I would encourage you to have him evaluated by a veterinarian soon. In the meantime if this happens again then I would try to video tape it so your veterinarian can have a good visual of what is happening. They may recommend blood work to rule out other problems as well. Best of luck and thank you for using Pet Coach.

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