agressiveness wiht headcollars

Question
I have a nine year old west highland terrier and a head collar. She is not normally aggressive until I try to place a muzzle on her for anal glad relieving. We bought the head collar for her yesterday because my vet said if she continues to pull after rabbits and what not, her throat would be damaged. But now when I go and put it on her she bites without warning, thinking it a muzzle. I love Mabel and I want her to be happy and healthy, but also safe with the head collar.

Also,  she is trying to dominate me. How do I deal?

Please help my sweet dog.
Thank you,
Crissie

Answer
The key to most behavior problems is approaching things using the dog's natural instincts. Dogs see all the people and dogs in the household as a pack with each having their own rank in the pack and a top dog. Life is much easier if the 2 legged pack members outrank the 4 legged ones. You can learn to play the role of top dog by reading some books or going to a good obedience class. A good obedience class or book is about you being top dog, not about rewarding standard commands with a treat. Start at http://www.dogsbestfriend.com/ For more on being top dog, see http://www.dogbreedinfo.com./topdogrules.htm

As you claim your place as top dog, it should solve the collar problem.