changing diet to help with aggression issues
 

My Yorkie, Chloe has aggression issues...snapping, constant barking. We have her in training still...been a couple of months or so now and she is on Prozac. I've been reading up on different ways to treat aggression and hyperactivity...there is evidence out there of a low protein diet, highly digestible food will help with her issues. Anyone try a new food and see a change in their Yorkie's behavior? I'm thinking of trying BLUE buffalo brand. It's worth a shot, just so frustrated.:confused:

I guess I don't see how changing a diet could change aggression.
Have you thought about hiring a private trainer?

I dont see the connection from food to behavior unless its a farting problem. LOL

I don't have a lot of information on this, but I do think diet can make a difference with aggression/behaviour, because diet will affect how "well" the dog feels. I don't know what food you puppy is on, but I would go for something with as few extra ingredients as possible, trying to make sure its not one of the additives that's disturbing her. I do believe non-kibble diets to be healthier, even if you are feeding a canned food and get away from some of the processing involved in creating kibble. IMO best is a balanced raw or home-cooked diet...but that will require tons of research. Have you talked to your vet? Perhaps a Holistic Vet?

We do have Chloe in training, as a matter of fact, she trains with Mitch Fletcher, who was on animal planet for some time, been training for over 2 months now. On our first visit he explained the different reasons for a dog to have aggression and one of them was if the dog was in some kind of pain...tooth, joints, stomach, etc. Also, some dogs have allergies to corn, it's hard for them to digest. The studies I looked at said that foods that are easier to digest can make all the difference in the animal's disposition. I guess it would compare to people...some foods give us indigestion, gas, upset stomach, constipation, etc. I figured it was worth a try. Our dogs are both on Purina One, we are gradually adding Nutro Ultra for small breed dogs. It has complex carbohydrates, no corn and a lot of natural ingredients...I figured this was worth a shot. I love my little dog, but her unpredictable personality, snapping and aggression towards our other dog, being kenneled, and the non-stop barking is working on everyone in the family. We recently tried the ultra sonic egg to control barking....she barked worse...non-stop and was very angry...while our other dog (mini schnauzer) coward in the corner...:confused:

Thanks for the info. I never realized that food could be connected to behavior issues. But I guess its just like us. When my stomach or head hurts I feel grumpy and snappy.

In that sense I could see it. Every dog reacts differently to pain or discomfort.
I would try transitioning to a better quality food, but not rule out getting some vet blood work done as well. If it comes down to it, your baby may just need a hypoallergenic food if you think it's allergies that are causing the aggression.

Today I bought Chloe the Thundershirt, it's supposed to help with anixety in dogs. It works something like a weighted vest does for kids with autism. My son has autism and a weighted vest did help him calm down and focus, so it's worth a try. Check it out: www.thundershirt.com

I hope it helps, cause I'm at my witts end! We are gradually adding a new food, we chose Nutro Ultra for small breeds. Maybe the combination of the two, plus the Prozac she's already on will help.