In a message dated 11/20/2007 7:08:08 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
but I have truly seen some dogs who were just a challenge! I had one patient, a German Shepherd, and we started seeing him when he was just 8 weeks old. This dog had some very bad temperment/aggressiweeks ol by the time we saw him at 12 weeks. We aren't talking german shepherds we are talking cockapoos, the point with cockapoos or any dog for that matter if they are bred correctly they are not aggressive by any means. German Shepherds, with inbreeding, over breeding makes for a disaster no doubt. I am not sure why thyroid was suggested to be checked. Usually with hypothyroidism we see lethargy, weight gain, hair pattern loss, occaisionally seizures. Aggression is not a typical symptom. It is a very rare case that we see hyperthyroidism and the symptoms for that are generally massive weight loss, loose stools, hunger that is out of control (this is mostly in cats that we see hyperthyroidism)( Not true, go look around on the net, here's one documented page, I sent the other from the Whole Dog Journal, Cocker Spaniels have problems with thyroids that is also documented. Many of the hype about cocker rage were found to be thyroid problems. _Behavioral changes associated with thyroid dysfunction in dogs._ (http://www.gsdhelpline.com/hypothyroid.htm) It would be interesting to see what the exact aggressions are. If they are food or toy agressions, behavior modification would be in order. Training is always a good thing. Consulting with a behavior veterinarian may be called for. Hope this helps somewhat. I sent her another email explaining the aggression so waiting to hear back from her again. Julie has done the trainer routine, her vet already said it can be several things and was going to do a complete CBC along with the thyroid testing, that is a great thing! If it were me I would be looking to it medically at this point. Wouldn't you? I have to say I was taken aback by some of the responses to this thread as to me, anyway, they came off as being not so nice or supportive but more accusatory. Why would you be taken aback, cockapoos are wonderful, awesome dogs. I get upset when I hear about this because that is NOT what the cockapoo stands for, are there bad ones, yes there are and why because too many breeders out there on the band wagon for the green not for bettering the cockapoo! You think puppy mills for starters care about temperament, they worry about one thing period, green and how many puppies they can pump out in a years time! ~~ Susan ~~ & The Poo Gang Mikey, Buffy, Amy & Lacey ~~~ "When you feel dog tired at night, it may be because you've growled all day long." -- Unknown **************************************Check out AOL's list of 2007's hottest products. (http://money.aol.com/special/hot-products-2007?NCID=aoltop00030000000001)
