My dog bites strangers/vet. How to fix aggression & get Petco shots?

Question

Last year I took my dog to petco vaccination clinic to get his shots but a couple months ago he had to go to vet and they put a muzzle on him for the first time he didn't like it since then when ever outside a stranger goes to pet him he tries to bit without warning same with if the vet gets to close to him how do I go about fixing this problem and will petco still give him his shots or how do I at least go about getting his rabies cause I can give him his vaccines he lets me do whatever! Pet's info: Dog | American Staffordshire Terrier | Male | neutered | 1 year and 3 months old | 79 lbs

Sara Farmer, DVM · Accepted Answer

It’s pretty common for dogs to start to show signs of fear towards strangers and at the vets office around 6-12 months of age, and I doubt the muzzle had anything to do with it. Biting without giving warning signs is scary behavior and it would be best to see a behaviorist to try to work on this. He absolutely should wear a muzzle at the vets and it may be a good idea to train him to wear a basket muzzle out in public to keep strangers safe. You can purchase a muzzle and put it on at home or in the car before arriving at the vets to reduce stress, and you may want to ask your vet about a sedative before the visit. Some dogs need heavy sedation for vaccines and exams to help prevent them from becoming even more fearful at the vets office. While a Petco vaccine clinic might be an option they would also need to use a muzzle and would not be able to prescribe sedation if necessary. https://bestfriends.org/resources/muzzles-tool-keep-everyone-safe

My dog bites strangers/vet. How to fix aggression & get Petco shots?

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