Will a low protein, high tryptophan diet help my aggressive dog?

Royal Canin's Calm Diet is formulated specifically for this purpose - it contains natural calming agents such as tryptophan and milk thistle to help with anxiety and aggression issues in dogs. You could certainly give this a try, if you like. It shouldn't hurt anything, and it may help. Some of my behavior clients have seen good results with it in the past.

If Mitu is doing well on the current diet, there is no need to change it. Salmon oil may promote healthy skin and coat. Consider and exam with your veterinarian to diagnose medical causes for his aggression. Illnesses or injuries can cause sudden behavioral changes. A consult and training with a veterinary behaviorist and/or certified trainer would also be recommended to identify triggers and to teach appropriate behavior and basic obedience.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I am sorry to hear about Blue, but you are not alone! This type of behavior is usually related to fear - fear that is so extreme that the pet has no choice but fight or flight. It often leads to aggression. The bad news is that an expensive trainer may not be able to help Blue anyways because her fear level is so high. The good news is that there are several great anti-anxiety medications that can make a HUGE difference in Blue's life. Not only will they reduce fear (and therefore aggression), but they will make whatever training you try MUCH more effective. (Pets cannot learn when they are scared). My favorites are amitiptyline and trazadone, but there are others available. Talk to your vet about what is available and reasonable to try for Blue. I hope this helps and best of luck to you and Blue!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! These behaviors can sometimes be changed or modified and improved. However, this usually requires in person training. I highly recommend that you consider contacting a local dog trainer who can help you in person. This can improve but does require a profesional to help you in person. Good luck and have a great day!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I think it is harder when they are older to train them. Just like people they form habits and know what they have been getting away with. Food aggression is a serious one and a lot of times there is no "cure" just management. The first thing to master with Buddy is for him to sit and stay seated until you tell him it is ok to get up. Leash him or tether him. Put the food bowl down in front of him, tell him to sit. Practice sitting for longer and longer periods of time not allowing him to get up or go to the food until he receives the command from you. Buddy should also know how to come on command even if he has a great treat he doesn't want to let go of. He should know "Leave it" and "drop it." Most importantly all adults in the house should know not to take something food wise from him with out giving him a command to "come," "leave it," or "drop it." And no children should be around him during feeding time or he isn't allowed high value items when children are around. I hope this helps and I wish you the best!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It is not so much about the amount of protein per se but more so the right protein. It is a matter of using a new protein and carbohydrate that he may tolerate better. For example, if he is on chicken and rice, switch him to lamb and potato for instance. Another option is a hydrolized protein diet and finally something like Royal canin low fat GI. That is actually what my dog is on who also has severe food allergies and he does great. 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.