Two yr. old Pyr showing extreme aggression to anyone other than family.

by George
(Mississippi)

DAX has been part of the family since eight weeks old. We bought him from a family that rescued the mother. He has been neutered and lives outside most of the time. He has always been extremely protective of family, especially elderly and children. Past year DAX has become too aggressive. Will not allow deliveries or workmen to get out of the car. He usually was ok once we went out and let him know all was well. Now he ignores us when he becomes aggressive with visitors. Last two vet trips he had to be drugged just to get nails clipped and groomed. DAX has always loved going to Petco to literally pick out his own toy. We no longer visit because he growls and snaps at adults, teens, and other dogs. If one person is giving him attention and another approaches... look out! Last week my daughter-in-law drives up to pick up my toddler grandson. She has two boys with her around ages ten and eleven. She gets out with younger boy, approaches us, and DAX is greeting and meeting. When second boy gets out and comes around to us, DAX freaks out! He lunges at the boy, growling, snapping, and chasing him. The young man escaped by getting to car and climbing in. We had to get between them... the Pyre would not listen or mind of course! He was in full throttle protect mode. DAX caught the boy on the bottom with a good enough snap to scare us but did not break skin. DAX has also been aggressive with our male inside dog, a mini Schnauzer. If DAX hears us get on to the little six yr old Schnauzer and he is within reach, the Great Pyrenees will growl and snap at the little dog and hold him down. They are both jealous of each other, but get along unless around us or feeding. Do we need to relocate our DAX? What can be done? Will he carry this aggression with him to new home?