Wheaten Terrier Fear Aggresion

Question
Hi,

I have a 2 1/2 year old male Wheaten Terrier with serious fear aggression. Just to give you some background my ex-boyfriend and I got him from a breeder when he was 9 weeks old. We later found out that the breeder may have been more akin to a puppy mill and was hiding a lot from us when we went to visit the dog.

He was a sweet puppy with no real aggression issues, but about a year ago that changed. When we moved from the first apartment we lived in to a new apartment he became very fearful of many things and did not want to get out of his crate. Then we moved again and he started biting, and growling. Now, my boyfriend and I are no longer together and I have him alone in a new place. (I mention all this because I think all the moves and changes have contributed to the fear.)

Basically, he freaks out with growling and barking at men, most children, and some dogs. He is OK with men he has known since he was a puppy, but anyone new is in trouble. He has bitten my friend on the leg (not hard he does the bite and retreat thing), and he has also bit another guy I know. I can't even invite men over anymore because he can not seem to calm down, even if placed in his crate (where he feels comfortable) or another room. It is very embarrassing and scary.

I have tried training with a behaviorist for months on end who has used training methods that I don't have a problem with, but that don't seem to helping. I have tried chlomacalm a medication recommended by my vet which did nothing, and now he is on reconcile another medication recommended by my vet. Now my vet tells me that if none of this works this aggression is genetic and I need to put him down.

I DO NOT want to put him down, but I am fearful for the future of this dog. I am trying everything I can, but I am a young woman who will one day have a new boyfriend and potentially children and if this dog can't handle either of those things I don't know what I am going to do.

Please help and feel free to ask any questions I will be happy to respond.

Thanks so much,

Samantha (and Jack Bauer- the dog)

Answer
ANYONE can call themselves anything; I've encountered MULTIPLE dog trainers who call themselves "behaviorists" without even a portion of knowledge that pertains to that title.  This dog is a classic fear biter but there might be physiological reasons.  Behavior modification does not involve "training", it involves building new associations with the hope of desensitization.  You are contributing to the problem (because most owners do) by your response at the end of the leash or at home when he demonstrates the problem.  Your veterinarian is WRONG.  Fear aggression can be inherited and even acquired but it is NEVER strictly genetic, never.  The Wheaten Terrier is well known for fear aggression and this can be a factor of neurological problem.

First:  you need a more sophisticated veterinary opinion.  I suggest you consult a veterinary behaviorist, one of which can be found at the following sites or by calling the veterinary college in your geographical area:
http://www.veterinarybehaviorists.org/
http://www.avsabonline.org/avsabonline/

The overall examination will give the professional a basis upon which to gauge the choice of medication (bring all vet records you have with you).

You will then need a REAL certified applied animal behaviorist.  Be sure this professional has a great deal of experience with fear aggression.  Find one here:
http://certifiedanimalbehaviorist.com/page6.html
http://www.arkanimals.com/ark/dg_expert_referrals.html
http://www.animalbehavior.org/ABSAppliedBehavior/caab-directory

Whether or not the dog should be put down is not something I can tell you, I can't see anything from here.  I'd give this dog a huge benefit of doubt: veterinary behaviorist and certified applied animal behaviorist, before making a life and death decision.