We saw the veterinary behaviorist on Monday about Stew's aggression problems. I'll keep this as short as I can. The main thing is that we were really impressed with what she brought to the table. It took six weeks to get in to see her and she was worth every minute of the wait.

She supplied us with an extensive form to fill out prior to our visit and she was familiar with every word we wrote when we walked into the office. She has suggested a two-pronged approach to the situation. First and most easily, we are going to temporarily put him on Prozac (yes, now I'm one of those dog owners). She thinks that this may help him relax and not get revved up in a bad way.

Second, she has laid out a very complex and systematic plan to desensitize him to the situations that seem to trigger his problematic behaviors. This will require the cooperation of two trainers and some other dogs in a well-controlled environment. We'll talk to the trainers who do his day care on Thursdays (yes, I'm one of those dog owners) but we're pretty sure they will be onboard for this since they are as fond of the fuzzball as we are. To be honest, I think that this plan would be just overwhelming if George did not have a Ph.D. in psychology and I am not kidding. It's going to take a lot of work on the part of a lot of people.

Now, all that said, the behaviorist was cautious in conveying optimism. She said, upon spending time with him, that he's an unusually smart dog and that will be in his favor as we are going to be trying to convey some pretty subtle messages to him. But she said it's a difficult endeavour we're embarking on because his behavior is genetically mediated and it's like arguing, at some level, with his eye color. We are going to give it a shot.

I love the analogy about it being like arguing with his eye color! I guess there really is much in dog behavior that is simply encoded.

Best of luck! We have a very smart dog too -- Max, he's a border collie -- and I must say, it's very different owning such an intelligent dog. We used to have a Golden Retriever who was like a big dumb puppy up until he died at age 12. Max is much more human-like, and sometimes I'd say he actually borders on being downright shrewd!

Oh my! Sending all kinds of positive vibes your way, I hope things work out for you.

COME ON stewie!! You can do it old boy !!!
make it happen Stewie!!
We're all rooting for you big guy !! <img border="0" alt="[bounce]" title="" src="graemlins/ubbbounce2.gif" />

Good luck with this MarnaLou. I know nothing about dogs, but good vibes your way all the same.

Marsha, Plant a big kiss on Stews cold nose for me!! I hope this new vet does the trick!

Hoping for the best outcome for all of you! You've given 100% to help Stewie - a real "labor of love."

Marsha and George!

Glad to hear the vet's opinion and that you are willing to give it a go. I think of it as teaching him in Spanish when he only knows French and Italian. I know of dogs who have taken Prozac. Let's hope he's a smart fuzzball who learns a new language. We're rooting for him!

Same here! Hopefully the multi-pronged approach will work well. Sounds like you've got a good behaviorist to work with!

Masaki

Marsha, I am impressed with George and your love for Stewie, your a role model for all pet owners.
Your dedication, patience, and peserverance is
extraordinary...as a pet lover too, I applaud
both of you. Best of luck with Stewie...r/wes

Hope everything works out for Stewie! Good luck, MarnaLou and George!

We'll be anxiously awaiting the progress reports. Doggie behavoir is absolutely fascinating! We send you good wishes and lots of biscuits for Stewie!

Thanks, everyone, for your kind interest in the relatively minor issue of our pet's social difficulties. He's at the trainers' today and they are ready to undertake step #1. The next two or three months will be critical.

Keep us posted! Sending calm thoughts Stew's way!

MarnaLou, I am so happy to see your post. I had been wondering about your Stewie recently. Sounds as if you have good help with the behaviorist, and I'm hoping the new approach will ease Stewie through his problems. All my best to you.

This is great MarnaLou. I'm so glad you were able to get in to see the specialist. It's so nice to be able to see someone expert in the field and actually have a plan.

I know how worried you've been and I'm sending lots of good wishes in your (and Stewart's) direction.

Kathy

We had a little bobble in that his bloodwork had a couple of anomalies show up and we had to run another lab test. But that has given us the clearance to start the medication so today is Day 1.

Thank you for the kind words everyone.