Michael, I'm sure you've noticed a thread running through every response, and they all boil down to :.... play till he drops.

"The dog needs to work out. He may be going insane from confinement, muzzling, isolation. Obviously you need to start slow so he doesn't get joint trouble on top of his other issues, but without regular exercise you guys might be screwed."

I agree.

Yes, you must get help. Call today. And everyone has given you great suggestions for this poor dog.

But no one else can do the most basic thing of all that is causing him unbearable frustration and a boiling-over of drive and energy: relieve that lack of structured exercise. You have to do this.

Toss some ideas out. Can you shovel enough of the yard to make a long "fetch" runway? That's not very wide, actually. I play fetch in a hallway. How bad are your knees? No jogging? How long can you walk fast with the dog wearing a weighted vest (easy to set up, and do it without the vest until you get it; let him pull). Where is the nearest plowed area that has a chunk of daily non-use?

This needs to be addressed now. As others have pointed out, he can't even hear you, he is so loaded with vibrating nerves and muscles.

And make that call. Two prongs for right now. JMO.

Michael, unless you have been negligent in exercising your dog, it appears you are actually unable to give this dog the exercise it needs because of your bad knees. This situation sounds like a mismatch between the dog's needs for energy expenditure and your ability to provide outlets. It doesn't sound like this is a dog that cannot be brought back into balance, it does sound like you are unable to provide this dog with its most basic life needs.

I'm sure professional help will give you new perspectives, but in the meantime, please assess your situation and consider rehoming this dog. It might not be too late for the dog, given circumstances that can meet its needs.

Please note: the dog's aggression is not the dog's fault, it is handler error in not giving the dog enough exercise, and then ensuring other of the dog's needs (proofing OB) are taken care of to keep the dog safe.

Is there a rescue organization nearby that can help you rehome the dog? A group familiar with the needs of the breed?

BTW - this has probably already been posted somewhere, but what breed is the dog?

Jenny, it's a Cane Corso.

Michael, I suggest that today you:

a) Call the trainers in your area immediately.
b) Read back trough all your posts and board members responses, and really think about whether you and him are a good fit for each other. Are you able to provide the type of home and exercise this dog needs? Are the bad times outweighing the good, and to what extent?

I took him for a 45 min walk today with a prong and his muzzle and he did fine if he got infront I just turnd around . I also called kathy and I'm just waiting for her to return my call
Ill take him for an other walk tonight when I get out off work,the dog is at work with me also and does get to go out severl times a day. The only time he is crated is when he is home and my friend comes downstairs or its time for bed.

Good luck Michael, keep up the exercise, a weighted vest is a REALLY good idea they work wonderfully, and hopefully someone in your area can give you a hand!!

How *far* is a 45 minute walk?
2 miles? 5?

____


Can we see a picture of the dog wearing it's prong collar?

If you want to see pics I have them on facebook same name mike arghnian ill add u I couldent figure out how to put them on hear .and I'm not sure. How many miles it was just the time it took I did a lot of turnning around .
I also know how to fit the collar on the dog its not losse or anything and is high up behiend the ears.

Right-click on the picture, and "Copy Image Location".

Michael, I looked at your dog on Facebook, super shiny coat. He's a beautiful dog.

is that your dog ?