Please help! My 1 1/2 year old chocolate Labrador occasionally "attacks" me. When I say attack, I mean that we'll be walking or running nicely and he'll suddenly turn on me with a crazed look in his eyes and start snapping, growling, and biting at me as hard as he possibly can. It's very frightening and no matter how loud I yell "NO!", he won't stop until he calms down. An episode usually lasts around 1 minute, but its very, very scary and painful. To get to finally calm down, I stand still and speak to him in a very calm voice. But I can't do this much longer - he bites very hard and it really hurts. He's even put holes in my coat (although it's not the coat I'm concerned about of course.) I've never heard of Labs doing this -- I thought that they were a very agreeable breed. He only does it to me, although he did it once to our dog walker, and she quit right after that (not that I can blame her). He never does it to my boyfriend. I don't know what sets him off. Please, any advice is gratefully appreciated. I need to get another dog walker, but I don't want this to happen to anyone else, and I don't want to have to get rid of him. We've had him since he was 8 weeks old, and he went through a spell from around 8 months to 12 months where he did it nearly every day. He calmed down a bit after that, but he's started doing it again, and I don't know why.

I think that I should add that our lab gets plenty of exercise. A trainer suggested that we give him more exercise when he went through his spell of attacking me every day. This helped a lot, but since he gets the same amount of exercise now, I can't figure out why he's started doing this again.
His schedule:
20 minute walk in the morning
20-30 minute walk during lunch time
30-40 minute walk when I return from work
20 minute walk after dinner
20 minute walk before bed time.
Add in a trip to the park at least 3 or 4 times a week during the day or around dinner (always on weekends) where he can run around off his leash for an hour or two.
Also, plenty of indoor fetch.
Is this not enough? Should I be doing more? He sleeps quite a lot, especially when we get back from the park, which usually tired him out for a full day and often the next half day. Many of the walks are purely out of schedule, not really because he always needs them. But I have to admit that I'm starting to dread walking him again because I'm afraid that he's going to attack me. Someone even stopped me on the street the other day to ask if I was all right!

The dog definately sounds like the boss, and when a Lab turns, it's not good. A bad Lab is not nice. I would seek advice from a behaviourist to see if behaviour modification can help him.
Dawn.

I have heard this before from our trainer, but I'm not sure how to curb this habit anymore. I've tried everything (and keep trying). But he still views me as being the person who gives him whatever he wants. He never does this to my boyfriend; the dog respects him much more, which I can't stand because I take care of the dog! I'm the one who feeds him and walks him (mostly), and the dog follows me around all of the time, vying for my attention. I make him sit or lay down for EVERYTHING I give him, whether it's opening the door, giving him food or water, or even throwing the tennis ball. I know that he wants to be the alpha dog over me, but I had thought this was phase he would get over now that he's nearly 1 1/2.

Hi Sammy,

I dont know much about labs going crazy but you may want to take him to a vet to get him checked out. Labs are generally a placid breed. The reason I say take him to the vet is that there may be an underlying problem. You said that he calms down after about a minute if some one is there talking calmly to him and that this has happened to more than one person. Is he a pedigree dog that you bought from a breeder and is kc registered? If so then you should contact his breeder to find out if there is any history of this happening and I am sure the breeder would want to know. How often does he have this happen? At what age was he when it first started? John and mattie may be able to help you a bit more as the are experts on labs.

Hope this has been of help

there are bad labs,!!! is your lab kc registered, have you contacted the breeder, as it never bites your boyfriend then i dont think it needs to see a vet, if it was loopy it would bite whoever it felt like :( it sounds like dominance to me, he knows your frightened of him, walk him on a halti, also a collar so youve got him secure, then if he plays up you;ll have control of his head-

I know there are bad labs. I just thought that it may be worth getting a vet to check him out as some agressive tendencies are based on an underlying problem. I didnt imply that the dog was 'loopy' I just thought it may be a health related problem :-( I also asked when this behaviour started and if the pup was kc registered and from a reputable breeder. If so then they should breed for temprement and would dearly like to know if there was any agression in their line.

i think youve taken this as aimed at you---it was for the owner of the lab-i was just posted after yours :D
i was pointing out that if the dog was loopy [my words not yours] then hed not be picking and choosing who to do it too,

Yes it is strange that he has never done it to Sammy's boyfriend? Just to her and the dog walker.
Sammy - how often does your boyfriend walk the dog? Does anyone else apart from you three walk the dog?

I don't suppose this helps at all, but my dog used to have similar 'episodes'. They were like he flipped out completely, he would turn and run away at top speed, he wouldn't bite unless he was not able to run. He had a sort of crazed look in his eye. We took him to the vet who said it could be some kind of brain disorder, and we should keep a note of when it happened.
He is a rescue dog, we took him in from a neighbour who is probably one of the cruelest people I've ever met.
Basically, it turned out to be panic attacks, which faded as he grew to trust me. I know this probably isn't the case with your dog as you have had him from a puppy, at least, not in the same way. Does he seem a nervous dog at all? What else does your trainer advise? If you have been advised to use physical punishment on the dog to reduce it's rank, it may be scared and is pre-empting being told off for something.
I think dominant dogs don't usually behave like that, especially if he is happy to sit and obey commands for everything else in his life. Could the reason he doesn't do it to your boyfriend be that he doesn't spend as much time with him as he does with you?
I would definitely ask your vet to refer you to a behaviourist rather than just your trainer.
Good luck.

We don't use physical punishment for him; I would be afraid that it would make it worse. I did once strike him when he was having an episode. I didn't mean to, but I was frightened and I had dropped the leash and was afraid that he was going to run in the street. Even when I did hit him, he didn't flinch and kept snapping and growling. This isn't puppy mouthing or nipping -- this is actually BITING as hard as he can, baring his teeth and everything. I used to spray Bitter Apple in his mouth when I saw him lunge at me, and that seemed to help a little. I stopped carrying it with me all of the time because he seemed to stop doing it (for around 4 months or so), but he's started doing it again.

I just found out that the reason he went after our dog walker was because she took him near where lots of dogs like to play in enclosed tennis courts and she walked him up and down outside the courts, but wouldn't let him in. I guess that he got frustrated because we always take him inside when there are other dogs there, and he thought that she was teasing him. Of course, I am NOT condoning what happened AT ALL -- I know that this does not excuse what happened. But it makes a little more sense at least.
It's strange that he only goes after me. Once, my boyfriend and I were walking him together, my boyfriend holding the leash, and he snapped at one point because we wouldn't let him go sniff another dog, and he went right for me, not my boyfriend, even though I wasn't holding his leash.
He is AKC registered, so I should probably call the breeder to ask about this. We've moved since then and live around 350 miles away from him now, but it wouldn't hurt to give him a ring.

I would certainly have a chat with the breeder, as she may be able to shed some light on it. I understand Dizzy's point about the fact that if there was a problem he would attack not just you, but i still feel it would be worth a vet visit, as there is a possibility there is some underlying problem ..... it may even be a problem brought on by over excitement or some sort of fit. #

I find it interesting that you say he calms down after about a minute, and that he has a glazed look in his eye - to me this indicates some sort of a problem. It is strange though and must be both upsetting and frightening for you.

Try to keep a sort of diary and put down what was happening at the time of his attack, what may have sparked it off, etc.

I would agree a visit to a reputable behaviourist after a vet visit would at least put your mind at rest. I'm sure we would all be interested to know what happens :)

There are bad labs, but as you have said he mostly happily does what you say, there doesn't seem to be an obvious problem there.

Wishing you luck anyway :)

LIndsay

Just reading through all the posts when I came to yours Lindsay and I have to agree from my initial reading of the first post on this Lab from its owner, I just immediately thought of some sort of fit. To be so sudden, detached from whats going on, aggressive and then glazed eyes - all sounds like some sort of fit to me. My Viz x collie had fits (eventually pts due to severity) and during one fit as he came out of it, he was snarly towards me, disorientated and edgy. I would definitely get a checkout with the vet.

Shirley

I think the description from the original poster does point in this direction doesn't it, Shirley - as i understand it, some fits can be very minor and hardly noticeable, and as you say the dog can become apparently aggressive afterwards :(

I knew a lady who had a bsd who had her first fit and was snarling and growling at her owner, who was very upset and scared. I'm not sure what happened but I know she did take the dog to the vet after breeder support, and if i remember rightly the dog was put under medication. Sorry to hear your dog was pts eventually, Shirley. I guess that was the dog that got you keen on Vizslas :)

LIndsay

Hi Lindsay

Yes, that poor dog is the reason my love of Vizzies! Mac, the Vizxcollie, was such a kind natured dog, but then the fits started. He was okay at first, but then I heard him do a very low growl at a young kid we passed in the street (not like him at all, as he was used to my friends boys). After a really bad fit, he was totally out of it, bewildered and quite "aggressive" - I had to lock him out of the room till he calmed down. It was pretty frightening. He was on medication, but it really changed his character (we are talking back in 1988 here) and he was very subdued and "drugged" looking. I believe the drugs now are far superior! After three terrible fits in less than 20 hours, I just couldn't take any more. Called the vet just as the dog came out a fit and it was awful. The vet couldn't get a vein - and even bent the needle trying to get it in the poor dog as the dog was hyper. I was hysterical! Perhaps if it had been now, I would still have him, but thats life and all that! 12 years with a wonderful Rough Collie and now two years into my buddy, Rhum!
So yes, fits come in all different guises - so I should now read on to see the outcome of this Labs predicament.
Shirley

That must have been a horrible experience for you Shirley, but from what you say, put to sleep was the kindest thing you could have done for Mac. But it's never easy...

Best wishes
lindsay
X

Sammy,

Behaviour of the type you describe is sometimes diagnosed as low grade epilepsy. I would take him to your vet.

Stacey

It can also come as a reaction to a feedstuff - what are you feeding him?

Sammy your dog could be turning on you and attacking out of frustration and the fact that you are an easy target as you do not retaliate. Perhaps he thinks he may not get off so lightly with your boyfriend and is reluctant to push his luck. He may suffer from Rage Syndrome which is a name for sudden attacks.
It always makes me smile when some trainers answers to everything is more exercise rather than trying to sort out the root of the problem. Sometimes the stimulation that a dog might require is more mental than physical although that is not necessarily what I am trying to say here. You have a problem that you need to get to the bottom of if you can. Exercise will strengthen your dogs muscles and stamina - that means that when he attacks you he can do so for longer and harder because he is fitter!
Maybe he does have a brain disorder that needs to be diagnosed by a vet. Its possible.
I don't recommend that you let anyone else take your dog for a walk. You have a responsibility to keep people safe from a dog that you KNOW is prone to suddenly attacking apparently out of the blue. He may be doing this because he has got away with it from 8 months old. Did you not seek help then? That behaviour is unacceptable.

There are several things which spring to mind. Fitting is obviously a possibility and there are possible reasons why it never seems to happen with your boyfriend. How familiar was your walker with him? Had she been taking him out for some time? You know what they say about familiarity breeding contempt!

No Labrador should fly into a rage because he is denied access to the other dogs at the tennis courts, Dogs brains don’t work that way. That is a human response not a dog one. I cannot connect the two together in that way.

This is not true Labrador behaviour but unfortunately seems to be the coming thing in both Labs and Goldens. It is not just from "Backyard" breeders, I know of dogs in the show ring who I would not want to live with. A good handler can train the dog into accepting the judge so the problem is masked. I well remember years ago spending a Sunday afternoon "Training" a "Test C" Obedience working sheepdog not to bite the judge!!!

Why is it usually you where the trouble is manifested? I assume he is with you more than your boyfriend but even if this is not the case, the very fact of a harder man's voice could be enough to keep him in order.

I think it is unlikely to be just a lack of respect for you which is causing it. Fitting is, as I said before a possibility. Mental instability is another. I have had an epileptic Labrador and although there were character changes, nothing as drastic as this. I have also owned a mentally unstable Dalmatian and the behaviour you is much nearer to this. To me, the character changes I noticed associated to epilepsy were more of the kind which gave the appearance of her being worried about not being in a position to defend herself and trying to keep anything she was worried about (strange dogs) away. The Dalmatian's behaviour was rather more like Rage in Cockers for example. It seemed to come around in unpredictable cycles. Some of the time a perfectly behaved dog and at others psychotic is the word which springs to mind! My mother, who was around him all the time, bore the brunt of his temper. He never showed any aggression to me mainly I think because he was not around me all the time.

It is impossible to diagnose this kind of thing at a distance so I believe your vet should be your first line of attack. Possibly a referral to the veterinary college and an ECG to see if there is any brain abnormality. It could be possible that you will never find the answer. It could also be possible that at some time you will have to make the ultimate decision. You have time yet to follow it a bit further to see if there is some underlying problem but please bear in mind that you ultimately have a duty to others around you. Sorry to put it so bluntly but it is not a subject you can wrap up.

Regards, John

Do you know if there is anything that can help this behaviour if it is something physically (or mentally) wrong with him. Is this kind of thing that can be fixed with medication? I really, really don't want to give him away, but my boyfriend is starting to become concerned when I come home from our walks crying because he's attacked me again. (I have to admit that I get upset mostly out of frustration now, not because of pain). I know that I could not give him away without explaining why, and I know that no one is likely to take in a dog with such problems. Also, I don't want to give up on him because I've grown very attached, especially after having him for over a year now.
The funny thing is, I've noticed that he almost always does it if he isn't getting his way about something. Like, if I won't let him approach a dog, or go into the tennis courts, it's like he flips out from not getting his way and gets very angry. I know that you said this probably isn't it, but it's strange that it's when he usually does it.
As for him not going after my boyfriend (we live together), I am seen as the dog's "Mommy," and he comes to me for every need that he has, as I spend the time most time with him. Also, my boyfriend has a MUCH deeper and firmer voice than I do, which probably has something to do with it. Not to mention the fact that the dog can pull me around whenever he wants. I was advised to use a prong collar (I hate it, but it works), and this is the only way I can walk him without my arm coming out of its socket. I tried a Halti and a Gentle Leader, and the dog hates them more than anything and always finds a way to get out of them. Also, it makes it even more difficult to control him if he goes after me because I can't stand on the leash to get him away from my face.
Sorry this is so long, but I've really appreciated the advice everyone has given me. I'm at my wit's end!!!!!!!!!!!

If it is caused by fitting then yes, medication could well sort your problems.

Foods, I really can't see that in this case because the problem appears to come and go. So possibly, but I don't think so.

If it is purely a mental problem then I really don't hold out much hope I’m afraid. To me, the risks are just too great and were he mine I would be saying that if he bit me then that’s my problem but if the risk is there that he might conceivably bite someone then I just could not take the risk. I have sat at home when we have had visitors hoping that they go before anything happens and that is not what dog ownership is all about. I can sympathise with you because I've been there.

No one is infallible, I might be barking up the wrong tree so don’t just listen to me. Talk to your vet as the first port of call.

Regards, John

I'm concerned that your boyfriend lets you walk this dog alone knowing that you are subject to being attacked by it! I suggest you use a muzzle.

Hi Sammy

Can I just say that this sounds exactly like the behaviour shown by my dog on occasions. On several occasions I just felt like I didn't want her anymore it was so unpleasant. She used to do it regularly when she was younger, then she too seemed to grow out of it and now she has started it again. She does it when we are out walking. I feel that it is an excitement/frustration reaction. My dog most often does it at the end of a walk, when she knows we are going home and perhaps has not had enough of a walk. The two other situations she does it are when we take a very long walk to the park and as soon as I let her off the lead she has a mad dash about culminating in the biting and jumping and the final situation when she does it is when I walk her with a group of dogs one of which is a Rottie who she is scared of. When she sees the Rottie playing with the other dogs, she wants to join in but is scared and so starts jumping and biting me. I have found that I am managing to stop it now, but I must admit it is a slow process. Firstly I REALLY gruffly say NO and hold her as best I can with her lead, but I have to say that (and I know everyone will be up in arms about this but it has worked) what made the real difference was I smacked her with the leather handle of her lead. I did not want to go this way, but people who saw what was happening advised me to do so and it is working. At the moment if I see the behaviour start I just say NO and show her the lead. She stops immediately more often than not and we are still working on it.

Now before you all think I have a demon dog or a dog with a brain tumour or whatever, this is a predictable (if undesireable) behaviour from my dog. At all other times she is a brilliant dog. I have three children who play with her, I take her out and she has never been aggressive to another dog or person (even when threatened by another dog). She plays happily with all sizes of dog and the Rottie is the only one I have ever seen her scared of. She is, other than these episodes very loving and playful and everyone who meets her say how lovely she is.

I truly believe that it is like when a child gets overexcited and gets too boisterous.

Hope this helps

Fiona and Saffy

This is very helpful, thank you. It's nice to know that I'm not the only one who has dealt with this kind of problem. I would agree that it seems to be a mix of pent-up frustration and excitement. He will sometimes turn on me when we've reached the end of the walk. Or sometimes, if I'd planned on taking him around the block again, he'll attack me, as if he's telling me that he wants to go inside. Either way, this has to change because I know that he shouldn't be the one calling the shots. I've been carrying the Bitter Apple with me because after one spray with that in his mouth, he doesn't usually go after me again. I can see him thinking about it (strange how we seem to think we can tell what they're thinking!), but he keeps looking at the bottle, then looking at me. Still has that strange look in his eyes, but it usually goes away.
As for the post about my boyfriend letting me walk him even thoug he goes after me. . .well, he is my dog, and I'm the one responsible for him. Of course, my boyfriend doesn't like hearing about me getting bit, but he doesn't know what to do about it either.

Sammy,

When did you start to use the prong collar, was it before or after this behaviour started? Only Roger Mugford had a case of a Rottie who kept mounting his owner (owner and other trainer thought it was dominance) and the behaviour was in fact caused by the prong collar :( and there have been other cases too.

I realise your dog is not mounting, but the Rottie's behaviour was caused by fear and pain - I reckon there is in fact a big chance the collar you are using could be either the cause of, or else exacerbating this particular problem.

Prong collars have to be used so carefully, if the owner chooses to use them, or they can cause great distress to a dog. Bitter apple and so on may well stop him "having a go", but if there is a serious problem, either with the prong collar, or with something else, then you are not getting to the root of it, but covering it up. One day the dog may "explode".

I would definitely go to the vet, first, and as soon as possible, esp. because of the glazed eyes. But please do consider the effect of the prong collar. I have knownn of a good natured BSD attack its owner because of harsh use of the choke chain, so a prong collar would be much worse. This could also tie in with the "frustration" aspect of your post as if the dog is pulling or dancing about, the prongs will come into effect more, or if the dog is in any way pulled on the collar. He might then attack out of sheer fright and pain, and be associating it all with you.

He may even come to associate certain situations with the collar and react before you can.

I appreciate control is paramount, but consider using a Halti (never jerk them) and maybe a muzzle. If it IS the prong collar, then itmay take a bit of time to sort this out and the dog may still react for a bit.

I really don't think he is trying to control you, I think there is some other issue, either the prong collar, (very likely IMO), a fit, or problems others have mentioned.

Lindsay

I will try the Halti again, although he seems to hate it and constantly rubs his muzzle against my leg to get it off. Still, I don't want to contribute to his problems by using a prong collar.

Not many dogs enjoy wearing their haltis or similar, but if you use the power of association and reward him with a treat when putting it on, and also intermittently whilst he is wearing it, he should start to associate it with good things in life. It's a bit llike wearing glasses for the first time, very weird and uncomfortable at first, then after a while you forget they are there ;)

Lindsay

sammy, lots of people here have suggested you go to the vet to exclude physical illness.....have you done this yet? only I am sure we would all be interested to hear what the vet says.

It may be very possible that your particular dog is overly dominant. As puppies mature, they tend to "test the waters" to see how far they can push their owners. It sounds like he began doing it but stopped after you began implementing the bitter apple. However, when he grew some more he started back up again because he was a little bigger and a little braver.

I believe you mentioned the problem started and continued between 8 and 12 months. It's not a coincidence that most dogs go through their "rebellious phase" between these exact months. It's the doggy equivalent of puberty. During this stage, hormones shoot up to extremely high levels and cause a jumbled mix of internal signals.
After about a year, they calm down and gradually return back to normal...that is if the owner doesn't capitulate to the dog by that time. If he thinks he can do it and get away with it, he may become accustomed to the undesired habit and the more habituated he becomes, the harder it gets for you to resolve the behavioral problem.
If he isn't neutered yet, you should seriously be considering it.

Although i've heard of dominant labs before, your case seems to be especially serious. Dogs are pack animals and dog pack theory dictates that dogs may attempt to make a break for a higher position in regards to status. This theory would also substantiate the reason that he only attacks you and not your boyfriend. Afterall, his voice is probably deeper, hes probably bigger, and probably more assertive and your dog senses this.

Additionally, i dont think you should soothe him by talking to him in a calm voice when he's being violent as this may be actually re-enforcing the behavior. You may be inadvertantly rewarding him for the behavior by talking to him in a soothing tone of voice. Afterall, i'm sure you use the same tone of voice to approve of positive behavior as well.

It may come down to a battle of willpower. You have to communicate to your dog that his behavior is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Try investing in a water gun and fill it up with bitter apple. Next time he gets out of line, give him a spray! If this doesn't work, resort to the halti again. The trick here is consistency. It's extremely essential that you NEVER EVER allow him to think he's won or your progress may be suddenly be dwindled, if not totally depreciated.

Although i suspect the behavior is associated with puberty, it may be a good idea to take him to the vet and have him checked out. And while your there, chop those balls off if you haven't already lol.

If all else fails, hire a reputable certified applied animal behaviorist who is trained and experienced in dealing with unruly and dominant dogs.

Best regards,
Oblivious

Thank you so much for your advice (and this goes to everyone). I haven't taken him to a vet yet, but I'm going to soon. He is already neutered, but he started doing this before that and continued to do it after. I tried the Halti again today, but he freaked out and I was forced to take it off because he nearly ran in the road when it slipped off. As for the dominance, he's definitely not a dominant dog around other dogs. He really just wants to go up to them and say hello, and this goes for people too. As for being dominant towards me, we definitely have our issues about who is the alpha dog. Other than these episodes, he's really quite an affectionate dog who loves to curl up and cuddle with me when either one of us is sleeping. I hate that he goes after me like this because I don't want to get rid of him. But I really dread walking him because it can turn into such a scene. I've been taking him to the park a lot because he gets to run around and play with other dogs off his leash, and I don't have to worry about restricting him and therefore causing another episode.

Sammy ..when you use a Halti , you need to attach the lead to the halti AND to the collar , then if the dog manages to slip out of the halti he can't run away :)

You just have to persist with the halti , he will accept it eventually ..do not allow him to rub agaisnt anything or to claw at it

HTH

Melody :)

When i said you have a dominant dog, i meant dominant towards people. In my opinion, your dog is suffering from a classic case of mistaken identity in which he views himself as superior to you and that's why he only started to exhibit the violent nature at the tender age of 8 months when a dog's hormones are raging.

Only way to remedy this problem is for you to put your foot down and make it loud and clear to him that your the boss not him. He's living in a human house, your not living in a dog house...remember that. Good luck.

Best regards,
Oblivious=-

Hi Sammy

No one here can diagnose your dogs problem! There are far too many possibilities. I think we are all pretty unanimous that the first thing you need to do is consult the vet to rule out a medical problem. You could find your answer there! Other than that I feel you need to consult an experienced behaviourist to work with you and your dog. Assess his temperament and responses to stress, frustration etc.. and see how you interact with him. All dogs are different - lots of us have experiences which we can draw on but none of us can accurately assist you and your dog. It really needs to be for real.
You already have worked out some things to start with such as the dog is turning on you when you feel he is frustrated and being denied access to where he wants to go! A lot of these alleged unprovoked attacks are started off with a trigger of some sort. You say that he gets a glazed look in his eye. Some dogs do not growl or raise their hackles to show a threat. Some have a 'stare'. That could be your dogs warning. If you have noticed that he gets this 'glazed' look then you are obviously looking into his eyes. If your dog threatens you by staring and you meet him with eye contact then in effect you could be returning his challenge culminating in his attack. Alternatively, or together with, you may have anticipated this attack and your body language has changed. Perhaps you stop and brace yourself or tighten the lead - maybe take a step backwards away from him. This may trigger his response - who knows? Maybe not looking directly at him, ignoring him and just keeping on walking dragging him away with you when he wants to stop may help - maybe not! Maybe you could see whether he will carry a toy around with him in his mouth and play with him with it on your walk. This may keep him occupied and his mouth full making him less inclined to bite you!
Again its impossible to say - someone needs to meet your dog and see what's happening before they can help you. You might be very lucky and hit on the right training for the right response but this is a serious problem and some advice may not be as helpful for you as their poster intends. All dogs are different!
Lara x

Very well put Lara. I agree 100%.

Sammy, you should take him to the vet so you can assess whether or not the behavior is associated with a medical condition.

Afterwards, if a medical condition is ruled out, shop around for competent and reputable behaviorist who is experienced and highly educated in regards to rehabilitating aggressive dogs.

Not only will the behaviorist give you peace of mind by taking some of the pressure and stress off your shoulders, but you will learn invaluable tactics and knowledge that may prove useful in the future. Good luck and please do keep us updated as now i am concerned and interested in how your problem concludes.

Best regards,
Oblivious

Yes i agree with Lara's post as well, we can onlyl give general advice on here which is hopefully helpful and may give some pointers, but at the end of the day Sammy, you need help on the spot with your boy :)

Make sure the vet gives him a thorough test and not just a once over briefly. A reputable behaviourist will not accept a dog without a vets report anyway, and it it not unknown for a B. to return a dog to the vet, and the vet to find a physical problem the second time.

Make sure the b. is experienced and understands the dog's mind. He or she should belong to an "association" both for their own protection and that of the client :)

Lindsay