Thanks good points. I only advised muzzling because the dog has become aggressive with no clear predictors of when he will bite. I don’t like muzzling either but seemed one way to keep the dog around people for now. I do agree if the dog objects to being muzzled it should not be forced as that can be another stressor leading to more behavior problems.
I think you are on the mark about thyroid especially because of the rather sudden onset of aggression. Even if it does turn out to be a medical problem I think contacting an animal behaviorist would be helpful.
I know what you mean about people being astonished that their dog can listen and do as told. I’m always amazed that people find that unusual.
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:::