I have a 3 year old Ridgeback who has always been a fun friendly dog. He has lived with our family and an older German Shepherd. We had to have our Shepherd put to sleep. Since then the Ridgeback just shakes all the time and growls if any of us go near him. It's bad enough grieving over the loss of my dog, let alone the upset of the one we have left turning nasty. I have two kids that love the dog to bits. They have always been really close so it is upsetting them, too.
By a glt
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Your grief is affecting your dog. Animals grieve pretty efficiently if left to their own devices. They live in the moment. What's happening right now is at the forefront of their minds.
Humans are unique in our ability to reminisce about the past, and in a way, actually live there. Dogs are confused and upset by this and will show neurotic behavior.
It's important to let go of the Shepherd. He was a wonderful companion, but he no longer lives in your home. Your other dog knows this. Remove his scent ("ghost") by removing all of his items, including bedding.
Start a new routine where you focus on your other dog. Play with him. Get him used to being with you again. Then walk him every day. When he's behaving normally again, start taking him to the dog park. Start seeing him as your "new" dog.
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