My dog is aggressive on walks and won't wear a muzzle. What to do?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Issues with walking on a leash can be very common in dogs. I do recommend a thundershirt and a pheromone collar for dogs with this issue; they may help. they may not, but it is always worth a shot! I also would recommend working with some re-focusing exercises while on a walk. Typically a "watch me" command works well in these situations (there are various teaching videos available on YouTube). If it is persistent, it may be that Max may need an anti-anxiety medication to help with this issue, which would be a conversation to have with your regular veterinarian. Good luck!

This is a very tough situation. If you're serious about Max getting better, I would recommend scheduling an appointment with a veterinary behaviorist to get to the bottom of the problem. This is a good place to look: https://avsab.org/directory/ While you're waiting for your appointment, make sure you aren't punishing him for this behavior (because punishments can make it worse), avoid all situations in which it occurs, when you are on walks take really great treats with you and use them to keep his attention on you if you have to walk pasted another dog (but avoiding all together would still be better). Your dog will likely need a combination of behavior modifications, training, and medication and he may never be a totally normal dog. Wishing you the best of luck. Thanks for using PetCoach

Hi, thanks for using PetCoach! This is tough! He sure is cute! I recommend using the gentle leader head collar for better control and asking for sedatives like trazadone from your Vet. Do not take him to these places until you train him to look at you (with treats) in social situations. This will take some time. You may want to pay for private training lessons so you can focus on this one behavior. There is no instant fix but being proactive, like you are, is a good step! He is young still. https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/petsafe-gentle-leader-dog-headcollar Good luck!

It sounds like Bongo has some generalized anxiety issues as well as some aggression issues. You have already done some good things to help get this behavior in control. Neutering will definitely help even though you may not see the effects of immediately. Trazodone is a great drug but works mainly for sedation and not as much to relieve overall anxiety. I would recommend speaking with your vet about starting Bongo on an anti-anxiety medication like Prozac. This may help him as well. I would also recommend working with Bongo on routine/common commands and exercising him frequently. Both of these things will help him feel more relaxed and secure. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. You’ve already named a few of the problems. Neutering probably won’t help the energy level but may help with the dominance actions. Anxiety is huge and often requires anti-anxiety medication and always requires some form of training. In some instances, training will not be effective until you start some sort of medication so I recommend speaking to your vet. Finally, even though you do much more than many owners in terms of exercise (great work!), it still may not be enough for Stitch, depending on his breed and demeanor. Consider dog parks (once neutered), having him run along a bicycle, etc. Finally, give it time. Many breeds do not settle down until 2-3 years of age, but most eventually do settle down. Best wishes to you and Stitch!

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.

I am sorry to hear about Bongo! A basket muzzle does allow for drinking but they cannot eat with it on. Try feeding him in a closed room to prevent anyone bothering him (and getting hurt). I would recommend a plastic basket muzzle instead of metal to prevent injury. Much more important, is to get Bongo on some anti-anxiety medication. This can be LIFE-CHANGING and I have so many great success stories. There are many great medications available with little side effects that are safe for daily use. My personal favorite is Trazadone but there are several great choices. Do yourself (and Bongo) a huge favor and talk to your vet about your options. Training is often needed with medication, but training alone will not work for these types of cases. Hope this helps and best of luck to you and Bongo!