Canine Aggression

[smiley11100]

Hello. We recently adopted a six year old english bulldog. He was abused for most of his life. He has come a long way with his behavior. The strange thing is sometimes when I reach around the right side of his head to pet him or to reach for his harness he will snap at me. He got me one time and really snapped my wrist. He will bark and become extremely fearful. He will jump on my kids when the start making alot of noise or "fight" with each other and has nipped them pretty good. We have contacted the rescue and are getting a behavior specialist to come help us but I just don't know if I will ever be able to trust him. Has anyone ever rescued an abused dog before??? Most of the time he is absolutely perfect....It is almost as if he has "flash backs" of his abuse. I also wanted to know if there were any medications available that might take away his anxiety. I have heard of some dogs being put on antidepressants and was wondering if this might be an option I should talk to my vet about. Any help that any one can offer would be greatly appreciated. We want to do all that we can do to help him. Thank you.

[3ambull]

Hi- we are having a similar problem with our rescued American Bulldog. He is very fearful- even shakes when going for walks. He is not good around anyone other than my husband and I- he is so loving. He bullies (and has snapped)our other Am Bull and plays to rough with the third. We have tried behavior training but he is so fearful. You had asked about medication...have you tried it? We are hoping to talk to someone who has and what side effects and the outcome.