It *is* a good idea for short, particular sessions, such as vet visits but not general, extended situations like public sessions of socializing.
Heck, I had an Ibizan gal who had MUZZLE written in huge red letters on the charts of every vet she visited.
She just had ‘a thing’ about strangers leaning over her back.
I actually went through this very thing [but not as drastic] with Odin.
At about 1 year, he started growling if I leaned over him which was an issue because his job is to steady me and allow me to grab hold of him to pull myself steady, if necessary.
After the second snarl, we had a vet appt. the same day.
The vet scoffed at the thought of low thyroid in such a young dog but did the test anyway.
It came back VERY LOW.
[much to the vet’s embarrassed surprise]
He had been _born with_ the familial form as his dam had insufficient levels during gestation.
Just 10 days on Soloxine cured it.
I can hang over him, drag myself up by his scruff, stick my hand down his gullet or anything else I feel like doing.
During the interim 3 years, he’s had to have his dosage adjusted several times.
_Every single time_ was ‘announced’ by him displaying aberrant “aggressive” behavior to other dogs or strangers.
The dose would be corrected and he’d be right as rain again.
The thyroid is the master gland and a -powerful- influence on every aspect of ‘bad behavior’.
I’ve come to hate going to the pet stores.
Every other dog is being handled so atrociously that I cringe.
Some people actually are grateful for the ‘help’ and others, like the owner of the poor, terrified Pit, have the attention span and retention of a fruit fly.
[gee...I guess Odin was lucky I didn’t blow his brains out after the first “snap”]
:::rolls eyes:::
I agree with you about the muzzle. The craft market I participate in allows people (not the vendors) to bring dogs. It has become a popular place for people to socialize their dogs. I’ve told several people with dogs that were a bit overwhelmed by the experience that tying a yellow ribbon around the dogs leash lets people know the dog is unsure about being approached.
I think good dog owners know their dogs and can tell when something is off. Vets should respect this. Good for you for being insistent.
I owe you a public apology. I would have preferred a private one. Mea culpa.
I’m sorry. I had no idea of thyroid issues with these dogs.
You’re knowledge of the breed is vastly superior to mine. I
have owned exactly one dobby. Great dog, smart, easily trainable. Aggressive! Unclipped Male. He would not accept
my bride as a gf. Swapped him for a pair of cylinder heads
at a local junk yard. He served nine years there before
old age made him pass on a cold night.
Best dog I’ve ever owned was a half lab half husky. One blue
eye, looked like a yellow lab. Smart loyal, conducted my boy and girl about the hood with no fear on my part for them. He was as protective as a dobby and as gentle as a lab. They were 4 and 9 when he attacked a car running onto our dead end street at a high rate of speed. Car knocked him dead. Dead end rural street.
I’ll leave the outcome to your imagination.
Currenty the top dog is half pit and half german shepherd. Smart, loyal, aggressive. My kind of dog out here in the sticks. Got a whole crew of four dogs but he is on the job always.
I will always own a big aggressive dog. Not for everybody
but they are a trip wire to keep tourists and casual visitors in their car until I notice them.