Sun Tzu

I don’t consider myself an expert; or a novice. I taken a couple of obedience classes with my first dog (1/2 German Shepard / 1/2 Akita) and read a few books.

A little over a year ago I got a pure bred Rottweiler. I found him at an animal shelter. The staff told me he was a year old. After having him for a couple of weeks I determined he was a show dog. He sat arms crossed and proper, responded to all basic commands, and was very much a gentle dog. My other dog bonded with him with days. Other than an overly strange obsession/phobia he has to any spoked vehicle (ive learned to deal with) he has been a great dog, and Ive considered myself lucky.

2 weeks ago; out of nowhere he has begun to act very strange. He continues to go to my closet as if having to get in for his life. I shut the door so he lays in front of it looking straight at it. He has started acting very sketchy with his eye going back and forth as if he is afraid of something (or of me). He is acting a little fearful of me. I have spanked him a couple of times hard because of going after people (which he doesn’t do if they're not riding a bike) and an occasional swat on his behind if he gets out (he knows how to open doors-so I have to lock everything) Its almost as if he is on drugs and having some kind of paranoid delusions.

I’m going to the vet in the morning to get some guidance, but I’m asking anyone that has any knowledge with Rotts or even dogs in general for any tips, suggestions, info, etc. I never thought I could get this upset over an animal but watching him is bringing tears to my eyes; he has become like my son and a good friend. I’m very concerned because his behavior is getting worse.

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To confine our attention to terrestrial matters would be to limit the human spirit.- Stephen Hawking