I hope whatever his issue this works or gives us answers. Everyday his domination issues are getting worse. He is trying to hump us more and more often. This had not occurred for a while until recently. What was not happening at all turned into every evening over the past week or so at the end of the night and is now more frequent than that. He is also nipping at our clothes, thighs, and arms when doing this. It is really becoming apparent that this is Graham's last chance. I know it is horrible to say and we are in tears even thinking about it but we cannot keep living this way. We are getting very worried about our safety and potentially others.

"Humping" is not a domination issue, it is what a dog does when it does not know what else to do. I never practice taking coveted things away from my dogs. However, I trust them and they trust me and I know they would let me take things away.... I was horrified when my sister this past weekend practiced taking a rawhide bone away from my pup. First of all, my pup saw her first rawhide at my sister's house... Second of all, I just do not do that to my dogs....
But true to my pup's temperament, she willingly gave my sister the rawhide.. I personally think it is not fair to annoy dogs when eating. I always meander around my kitchen when the dogs are eating, but I do not bug them...

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Janice and The Celebration Gang -
"Samantha, George, Tiki, Emily, Mick and Basil" Gone but not forgotten, Sally(Windjammer's Ima Country Girl CDX CGC), Laney(Mandell Marlenes Celebration UD RA CGC), and Cookie(Starseeker's Kissmas Cookie CDX RE CGC).

Just a thought but since it's getting worse, is he getting the same amount of exercise or less? I know with all of my dogs if we're having a problem I increase the walks and it always helps. I'm not saying it'll work in your case but thought I'd mention it. I feel for you and him.

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To answer a couple of your questions. The humping is getting more aggressive in nature as well. He also just has a different look about him when doing so as well. This may be because we are more on edge and notice so we are worried more about his next action. As far as the exercise, over the last week plus in the worsening state if anything he is getting more exercise. We were both off this past week so he was getting multiple walks and play sessions.

Good luck with your appointment tomorrow. If you happen to have any video of your boy exhibiting any of the questionable behavior, definitely take it with you--not recommending that you provoke him to get footage but if you happen to have any, it could be helpful.

Unfortunately we do not have footage and we are not about to try and get any. I agree that it would be helpful but unfortunately we are not thinking it is going to happen when it does. Thank you all for your help and suggestions. It is much appreciated. We will keep you posted on our findings.

Well we just got back. The vet/behaviorist basically stated that in our situation he is not dominant in any way he just has an extreme amount of anxiety for whatever reason. This is creating the issues we are having. This is very elevated with anything he perceives to be food related. Basically there is no cure for this. Medicine can be prescribed, and tips and tricks can be used to keep us as safe as possible but there are no guarantees. She stated what was particularly troubling in our situation was the fact that he gave off little to no warning signs and when he attacked it was not one bite but multiple aggressive bites. She said given that she felt there was a pretty high probability of another attack. It may be the same trigger or something new. Do not hate us as it is not the outcome we wanted but we have decided to have him put down. It was a horrible realization but we do not feel safe in our own home and do not feel comfortable having anyone else exposed to him. She stated if we ever wanted kids that he should not be around. Basically genetically whether due to the breeder or not he is not wired right and is a time bomb that could go off regardless. Thank you all for your help on this matter. He taught us so much in a short period of time and for that we are forever grateful. RIP Graham you will be forever missed and remembered for all of the good times. It is not your fault and you are in a better place now without anxiety or fear.

I am truly very, very sorry, both for you and your wife and for Graham...

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You did get some answers and for that I am grateful. I am terribly sorry there was not more that could be done for Graham. I have fostered a dog that was wired wrong, and the final choice is heartbreaking, but sometimes it is the kindest thing for the dog. They are living in fear and insecurity, and that must be a terrible way to live.

My heart goes out to you, you did nothing wrong, and you loved him. He is not afraid or anxious anymore. Peace is a gift, and I hope you allow yourselves to feel it too.

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I really couldn't say this any better. Please know that you did the right thing and I admire the strength of character it took to see this through in a responsible and humane way. Bless you all.

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Ellie and Mack