Back at the vets

Just over 2 weeks ago I was given 20 Zylkene tablets to hopefully help Joe and reduce his stress when he sees dogs. Well 17 days in and no change. So I rang the vets earlier today and asked if it's worth me getting another 20 even though, as yet, they've had no effect and have now been asked to being him in on saturday as the vet who gave the zylkene (not Joe's usual vet) wonders if there's an underlying problem i.e. his leg, which is causing the problem. Now Joe's usual vet has seen Joe's behaviour in the waiting area and we've discussed it with him AND Joe, although on Carprieve, has no problems with his leg and hasn't for some time (touch wood).

Joe behaves in the house (except when strangers are in, he barks at them) and on walks when no dogs around and listens to commands. He is as soft as anything in the house with us, family and friends including children who are new to him, playing with them, lying with them, listening to commands etc given by them. Surely if there was an underlying issue, it would present itself in the house?

Does anyone think it could be something to do with his leg? Because honesly, I don't. I did try to explain on the phone that the rescue centre did say they thought he'd not been socialized, which makes more sense to me.

Any thoughts very welcome

Difficult one isn't it Ollie is the same likes some people not others has been well socialised and is very protective around the house although not with everyone.

Our new vet has suggested possible thyroid problems he has problems keeping weight off and it can lead too grumpiness so we may be having the test done although Ollie will need sedating first he doesn't like vets.

It could be underlying pain that is making him grumpy it does us so why not dogs ?

Joe's leg has been normal for ages now and he goes back to the vet (his usual vet) every 3 months to get more carprieve and he pulls Joe's leg, pokes and prods it and there's nothing wrong with it thankfully.

I'm so confused

Cherry had issues with fear reactivity with other dogs and we found out recently she has suffered from entropion for some time and it must have been quite painful.

Some of my friends who are trainers and behaviourists said to me that they think this was linked to her behavioural issues.

Not sure what to suggest Ollie is re-active to some dogs not all certain breeds so we avoid them where possible and if we do come across them he gets put in a sit or down and has to wait patiently while they pass if they are to close he will sometimes bark and even lunge if he does he is told no and we then move on if he is good and behaves he gets lots of praise and a treats. Some days he is fine others he isn't he is better of lead than on.

I think some dogs are just a bit all over the place and you have too be aware and be able to deal with it and not let it become an issue since I have started worrying less about Ollie's behaviour to some dogs he is better. It does mean the walk isn't always relaxing as you would like but if thats how it is you have to work with it. Thats what I have found anyway.