Then again I have 5 or 6 dogs here at the kennel that you would never have to crate for some silly reason like the dang T.V. is on. If you look at it from my point of view, or at least step away from the situation a bit, making concessions for a dog who can't handle the T.V. is on is a bit more than nutty. You deserve better, put the dog down.

You wrote at the beginning of your first post

I'm asking your opinions because my judgement is clouded by "puppy love."

>HI Anne

> you are rationalizing and making excuses for a "bad"
>dog IMHO. I"m a little unclear about the situation with the
>"rescue" group you got him from, do you still have physical
>and/or legal custody of the dog?
>If you insist on working with this dog. I'd forget about
>the mood altering drugs. I'd forget about modifying every
>situation to suit him (no TV?) I"d make his world black and
>white. I'd put him on a prong collar and take him out in
>public. The first sign of aggression (no matter what the
>cause or reason) his front feet would be off the ground
>and I'd hold him up by the prong until he calmed down.
>As soon as he did, treats and praise. I'd do this until he
>figured out shows of aggression were bad and calm and
>focused on you were good. Of course with his history. He
>could never be adopted out and would never be off lead in
>public.

One way ticket to the vet if he was here.


(hm, I seem to be saying that a lot of late.. )

If you insist on working with this dog. I'd forget about
>the mood altering drugs. I'd forget about modifying every
>situation to suit him (no TV?) I"d make his world black and
>white. I'd put him on a prong collar and take him out in
>public. The first sign of aggression (no matter what the
>cause or reason) his front feet would be off the ground
>and I'd hold him up by the prong until he calmed down.
>As soon as he did, treats and praise.

I strongly disagree with harsh treatments for a fearful dog. Have you had a complete thyroid panel done on this dog?? There are only a few places that do it, I know Dr. Dodds is one of them. Thyroid problems can cause fearful/agressive behavior in dogs.

My dog has been helped immensely with meds. Your dog has extreme bahavior/fear. If this were a person, he/she would be on meds. Why have a dog suffer if there is a chance that it can be helped with meds. Time, my other dogs and a consistent routine were what helped my dog the most. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

I'm not going to advise one way or another what to do with a dog like this, but want to address the use of Clomipramine.

This drug is indicated for separation anxiety, not fear-based aggression. A vet prescribed this for one of my dogs some time ago, and it contributed to a problem going from bad to worse. My personal experience with a dog inappropriately prescribed this medication was nightmarish. You know the saying, "if I knew then what I know now....."

Find a knowledgeable veterinary behaviorist.

T