My 7 year old Chow Lab Mix

Question
i have a 7year old chow lab mix and she was taken to school and everything with the family she is a great protective dog which keeps her aggressive ways away. i believe shes bipolar she snaps at people she doesnt know, but not to all its really weird well recently we took her to the doctors and shes always been paranoid of the doctors but never has become aggressive usually just pee'd on herself this time i was forced to put a mussel on her. anyone in the office that tried being nice she'd automatically open her mouth and show her teeth. is there any way i can calm that down or better yet take it completely away? im also scared because in exactly 3months ill be having a newborn in the house and she has always been the baby of the house, i do not know what to expect now behavior wise? Help please.

Answer
Hi Gabriela,

Thanks for writing.  I'm going to refer you to my colleagues on allexperts that specialize in aggression. I think it is very important that you contact the experts on the site that specialize in behavior problems.  There is a section just for this and the people on there specialize in aggression and are more equiped to help the situation.

I would also suggest strongly that you find a behavioral consultant to come to your home and access the situation and your dog.  

Additionally, have her thyroid checked.  Sometimes a thyroid that is off center can cause aggressive behavior.  If you live in Lyme Disease country, have a test done as well.

It also sounds like she suffers from fear aggression (the peeing on herself) and anxiety and finding the correct medication can be very helpful, as well as special classes for aggressive dogs. Work with your vet regarding this.

You do need to get this under control.

Before you bring your baby home, bring a blanket to your dog and let her live with the scent of your baby.  There are sites on google that address the issues of how to introduce the dog to a new baby.  Never leave a dog alone with a baby or child..ever..no matter how reliable you think your dog is.

Best of luck,
Shelley Davis