Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have an 11 month old yellow lab.----I've had him since he was 2 mos. old----he has always been "mouthy" and as he gets older he has started wrinkling his nose when he comes after me. I am becoming afraid of him and I guess he knows it. This past weekend as I put my hand out to stop him from coming at me his tooth caught my hand and cut it open---I had to have 3 stitches. I don't know what to do with him-----any help would be greatly appreciated. I want to give him a chance, I don't want to give up on him if there is hope----he has an appointment to be neutered next Wed. Hopefully that will help. I should mention that I have a 6 yr old chocolate lab female----he knows she's alpha, could he just be vying for the second in command with me?

>>I have an 11 month old yellow lab.----I've had him since he was 2 mos. old----he has always been "mouthy" and as he gets older he has started wrinkling his nose when he comes after me. I am becoming afraid of him and I guess he knows it. This past weekend as I put my hand out to stop him from coming at me his tooth caught my hand and cut it open---I had to have 3 stitches. I don't know what to do with him-----any help would be greatly appreciated. I want to give him a chance, I don't want to give up on him if there is hope----he has an appointment to be neutered next Wed. Hopefully that will help. I should mention that I have a 6 yr old chocolate lab female----he knows she's alpha, could he just be vying for the second in command with me?

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You need to get this dog to a veterinary behavior specialist after the neutering. Ask your vet to help you find one. Until then, play it safe. A bite like that is not an accident. Your being afraid of him is a bad sign. Get expert help!
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Kathy Diamond Davis, author, "Therapy Dogs: Training Your Dog to Reach Others," 2nd edition, and the free Canine Behavior Series at www.veterinaryforum.com