Why does Minnie do this
 

Hi, I have an 11 yr old Jack Russel mix. She once nipped me when I petted her, she is getting cateracs(sp) & maybe I scared her. I admit, I then got upset with her (but no hitting). Then after awhile I would smile at her. Now when I stick my hand out to her or sometimes even get close she shows her teeth & might growl a little (however when I sit in her 'favorite chair' where she sits with my DH she often comes to sit by me). Today she was looking at me & shortly I smiled at her & she ran. I began to think that maybe when I smile she thinks I am 'showing my teeth'. Do you think it is possable that she believes this?

When animals are sick...
 

They get this way. We had a cocker that developed kidney cancer and we didn't know it, and one night she attacked me.
I got away and went up high on the back of the sofa, but it was really out of character. The vet said animals in pain, behave
that way, esp dogs.

If you speak to her first - does she growl & act aggressive?
Was she loving and non aggressive before this ?

If it is a new thing , she could be in pain from something else.
but if her personality was always a bit testy then it could be just a gradual worsening of attitude.

I was wondering the same thing myself, as Jo was.

Do you speak to her first in a loving way? I do that with all animals, known and unknown. You just never know. They need loving attention like we all do.

Otherwise, yes, she may not be feeling well. Does she have arthritis or any other illnesses that they sometimes develop along the way?

Doody, I do speak nicely to her.
I was telling my dd my thoughts & she said "don't show your teeth!" I guess Minnie does that a bit to anyone who shows their teeth. I now keep my mouth closed when I smile at her.
.

Maybe minnie think your smile is like another dog that is about to show teeth.
I got a new abbandoned dog I have had almost a month. I try to smile at her like I do with my dog I have had forever but she acts diffrent she kinda backs away then I talk pet voice to her and she comes and licks my handthen sits in my lap. I can only guess she shes my goofy smile as another about to show teeth cus i am staring at her or something I dont know really but soft happy voice helps me so far. She is part jack russel part beagel and weinner dog the vet guesses.
Good luck with Minnie give her tons of loves:)
PEACE
BMW

Dogs have
 

a huge sense of smell. Minnie should be easily aware that it
is YOU...she should recognize your scent.

Perhaps she is getting doggy Alzheimers' ?

They do have strokes too, you know. Sudden behavior change might signal some internal problem.

Aw, ((Lor)), I'm sorry you're going through this with the little Minnie, bless her heart. Must be difficult for you. Who knows why she's doing this, it could just be so many things. I sure hope you are able to unravel the mystery and that it gets better. :hug:

ooh Jack Russell
 

Jack Russells are very dominant with other female dogs. We've had one. It was not a good mix with our little fox terrier. The first thing I'd do because of her age would be to have a vet check her over. If she's o.k. then...are you chuckling or laughing when you "show your teeth"? If you aren't then she takes it as an unfamiliar or not normal look on your face and it frightens her. (My take on it) Also some dogs don't like a confrontational look. I've a tiny long haired Chihuahua who will turn and run if I make eye contact. He was a rescue too. I have to be careful not to look him directly in the eye when I call him. For some strange reason, it frightens him. ......'Course, it frightens my husband too. :p

Hope things straighten out.
Billye