I've had a history here with Tucker. Most of you have read some of the issues regarding his biting (many, many bites). I ended up with a muzzle on Tucker and everything, at the moment, is fine. Tucker is used to the muzzle and wears it like a B wears a collar (he wears the italian basket muzzle, No. 5). No issues. He doesn't even try to rub it off anymore. The muzzle comes off when he eats and when he and I are alone - but stays on 24/7 otherwise. He does still exhibit the aggressive behavior and has 'attacked' a few handymen, but after that initial snarl and attempted chomp on the leg, he gives up and walks away knowing he can't do anything. These moments of illucidity are very short lived and as time passes, they are becoming less and less frequent. I've learned a lot from observing these occurrances and I honestly believe it's curbing his behavior, knowing that he has no weapons anymore. I've also learned and truly believe that Tucker's behavior revolves around the fact that he feels that virtually everyone is going to beat him if he does not do the beating first. I know Tucker's history involves abuse from some asshat somewhere in his puppyhood (otherwise he would still have the rest of his tail and it was pulled off, not cut, says the doctor). I know his history from age 6mos until I got him, but don't know what happened before that. And, before anyone asks, he's seen two behaviorists, been with two trainers (one is quite esteemed in my area), had a full medical panel, two regarding thyroid. The last behaviorist said I should put Tucker down. Hell bent and determined, I found a way to keep my beloved dog.
Tucker was a rescue and had already been through 5 homes BEFORE I got him when he was 3.5 yrs old. The rescue I got him from (and I'll name no names) ignored me, so I didn't have any recourse to fall back on like a responsible breeder. I was on my own and I found a way to keep my dog alive, whether he SHOULD have been put down or not. I've even made plans for a sanctuary should the current implements not continue to work and am paying, preemptively, for the potential for future care for him. Otherwise, the money I've spent goes to care for another dog, which I am totally fine with.
I'm one of those people who feels there HAS to be a way. My dog is like a child to me since I have none of my own to date. I will do everything I can for him until there is absolutely nothing left to do. So far, we've had 4 good years together and I anticipate many more. I need him as much as he needs me.