[Dailydrool] Gus's aggression

[Pamela McQuade]

To test Gus's eyesight, you can drop a cotton ball in front of him. If he doesn't see it, he may well have an eye problem. But I wouldn't be surprised if it's more than that.
 
Once or twice, when our back-surgery boy, Abner, bit me, I got the idea that he was hurting and somehow connected me with the hurt, though I had not done anything to him. I don't think it's unlikely that any pain Gus is feeling could be connected, in his mind, to you, even though you have nothing to do with it. You will have to see your vet to get the pain identified. Make certain your vet doesn't give a once-over-lightly, but a real, careful exam. If necessary, visit a specialist.
 
I am not surprised that you fear Gus. I know how it feels, since at first, Abner had me really fearful. It is important that you get past that fear quickly, or it could damage your relationship. Dogs pick up on your nervousness, and the aggression can easily increase. If the vets can't identify a problem, contact a behaviorist. If you get some quick improvement, you will become less stressed and be able to work on whatever the problem is.
 
Don't give up on Gus easily. I dealt on and off with Abner's aggression. Finally, when we saw a surgeon about another issue, he told us to give him glucosamine and chondroitin. From then on Abs seemed much more comfortable, and I had no aggression problems with him. That taught me to make sure a dog is not in pain before you give up on him.
 
I hope Gus's problems can be easily solved. But chances are good that you will have the information that helps identify his problem. Keep watching him to see what causes the aggression. I'd always been sure that Abner's problem was pain connected, and I was right. I just wish it hadn't taken me so long to connect with a vet in a way that identified the problem.
Pam, food slave to the Dashing Bassets
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