New Dog Behaviors

Question
Over the last year we have moved to the country with our 3 year old Newfoundland mix dog. He has become protective to me around people, constantly barking at any car, person, or animal. The last time we took him to the vet he almost attacked her. We now have to muzzle him and give him a tranquilizer before vet care. This is new behavior as he is a friendly dog, and never would bite (I don't think??) until he is now very mean to other people and seems like he wants to attack them all.  He is even starting to growl at me and my husband when we try to clip his nails, or touch his paws. He growls at the kids if they get too close to his beck side or tail. What do you think caused this change and how do I correct it? I am thinking interaction with the public might help, but am afraid because of the vicious barking and trying to attack people, I do not want any one to get bitten. His shots are up to date, but he is allergic to the bugs out here and is losing hair and itching like mad. Do you think this has something to do with the behavior? I am at a loss, please help.

Answer
Dear Kimberly,

I am sorry I could not answer your question sooner.

Based on what you are telling me, your situation sounds serious.  My strongest suggestion to you is to find a professional trainer, near you, who knows how to handle very aggressive dogs, and to work with this trainer.  

It is very possible that your dog could be physically ill, especially if this change in behavior came on suddenly.

Since this dog could be a potential danger to you and/or to others, it is hard for me to know how he needs to be disciplined.  I would need to meet him and interact with him in order to know the answer to this question.

I think it is smart that you are cautious about going out in public places with your dog.  If he does bite someone, then you are held liable.  Be very careful with how you allow him to interact with others, especially with children or the elderly (who generally do not have ways of fighting back).

It is hard to tell if his allergies have something to do with his negative behaviors.  They probably do play a part in his agitation level.  In addition, he could sense discomfort coming from you or someone else in your family, due to the change in location.  However, just because he feels agitated and/or uncomfortable does not ever give him the right to growl at you, your husband, or your children.

Please seek help from a professional dog trainer near you.  Make sure that you explain your entire situation to the trainer, and be sure that the trainer feels confident in being able to handle an aggressively behaving dog.  Here are some helpful links regarding some possible trainers near you:  
http://www.tomrose.com/graduatesa.html  
http://www.apdt.com/po/ts/default.aspx
http://www.pets4you.com/train.html
http://www.dogtrainersearch.com/   (scroll to the bottom of the page on this one)
If you are in the greater Philadelphia area, you can also visit my site:  www.erinsdogtraining.com

Please let me know if this information is helpful to you.  You can contact me at Training.Inquiry@gmail.com.  

I wish you the best.

Sincerely,

Erin Goddard
Certified Professional Dog Trainer
www.erinsdogtraining.com
Training.Inquiry@gmail.com
484-238-2134