My dog bites strangers/vet. How to fix aggression & get Petco shots?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is a lot more common than you think. The majority of hospitals have experience in these types of scenarios and are more than capable of dealing with this. They would restrain him well and be able to proceed with the vaccinations and whatever else was needed. Sometimes sedation is needed depending on the patient though this is rarely needed just for vaccinations. Good luck and have a great day!

Poor Rocky! I'm sorry to hear that he has this problem. To get a veterinary check-up, I would recommend calling your vet to discuss your concerns and make a plan for how to have him seen safely. This may involve having you train him to wear a muzzle at home, so that you can put this on before he arrives at the veterinary clinic. The veterinarian may prescribe some anti-anxiety medication for you to give prior to coming in, and he may also need injectable sedation once he arrives at the clinic so that he can be handled safely. For the future, I would strongly recommend making an appointment with a veterinary behaviorist who can help you put together a detailed training plan to work on his aggressive behavior. Most aggression towards strangers is fear-based, so this normally includes using positive reinforcement (food rewards, etc.) to help the dog learn to be more comfortable with the things that scare him. Punishment-based training (prong or choke collars, shock collars, etc.) are NEVER recommended for the treatment of aggression issues, as this does not address the underlying problem and has a high risk of making the aggression worse over time. You can search for a board-certified veterinary behaviorist in your area here: www.dacvb.org or ask your regular veterinarian where the nearest one is located.

I suggest you buy a muzzle for Teddy and put it on before he gets to see the vet for the vaccinations. This will make him aware that he cannot bite and so it will be less stress for Teddy , you and the vet. Here is a price list for the VetCo vaccinations: https://www.vetcoclinics.com/services-and-clinics/vaccination-packages-and-prices/

I'm not exactly sure this indicate abuse. Dogs that are under-socialized or are not used to places such as the groomers or veterinarian can act out like this from anxiety or stress, not necessarily abuse. That said, if you do suspect abuse, it would be best to speak with Loyal's owner about it. I would definitely talk with Loyal's vet to see if there is anything that can be given, such as a sedative, before he has to go to the vet or other scary places. It is also a good idea to speak with a trainer or veterinary behaviorist in person that can help with desensitization training which can help Loyal get more used to these situations in a safe manner, and help him relax and settle in. You can learn more about veterinary behaviorists here: https://www.dacvb.org/page/about

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Aggression like this is serious. Dogs reach their social/behavioral maturity around 2-3 years of age. This is when a dogs behavior can change. Since he wants to bite and attack I recommend a trainer or a veterinary behaviorist. They may want to start a behavioral modification drug while you start trainer. You will need to put in the effort and also make realistic expectations for how Pablo will be. He may never be a dog that strangers can walk up to and pet. You need to learn his triggers and learn to avoid situations where someone could be hurt or negative behaviors are initiated. I hope this helps and I wish you and Pablo the best!

You could try to find a mobile vet that would come to your house to examine her. You could also get a cage muzzle and put it on her before taking her to the vet so she won't be able to attack another animal or person. You could also ask your vet for a mild sedation which might help, too.

Hi! Sounds like Max really needs to see someone. What we usually do at our clinic is this: as long as a pet comes in with a well fitted muzzle, we can usually help. Max will need to be sedated, to be treated. So, call ahead to your vet clinic, and let them know that Max needs help. They are under no obligation to treat him if he is truly dangerous. But, if he is able to wear a muzzle, that should be a big help to the staff.