We adopted a rescue dog 3.5 years ago – he’s now nearly 4 years old. He’s always been hugely anxious and is very attached to me, DH, DD and DS. My husband used to work at home and was his main carer and walker until about 4 months ago when our circumstances changed and DH got a new full time job. This has meant big changes for all of us including the dog who now has to go to doggy daycare. Initially he hated it but is now getting used to it although he still shakes like mad when the lady comes to collect him. He had an incident at the daycare recently where him and another dog fought and he bit the other dog – doggy daycare assured us it was not our dogs fault and that the other dog has issues over being overly possessive over his ball. We’ve also had a few other incidents since having him – his once bit the postman’s hand through the letterbox and has snapped at a few men. We are therefore normally very cautious with him but 90% of the time he’s a great dog, plays brilliantly with other dogs and loves kids. However, this morning I was inside my front garden unlocking our bicycles when I suddenly heard him being aggressive. I hadn’t realised I had left the gate open and I think he was sniffing at a tree when a young boy who was crossing the road appeared and possibly startled him, or he thought the boy was coming into our house. The poor boy (only around 8 and walking to school alone) was understandably terrified. I screamed at my dog, got him back inside and locked him away. I ran down the street to check on the boy and he was very shaken, as was I. I really don’t know what to do. I adore my dog and he’s really part of the family. BUT I’m starting to feel like we’re now all on edge worrying about what’s going to happen next and whether he can be trusted (clearly he can’t). We’ve tried to muzzle him in the past, but he hates it. I don’t know whether he’s too old now to try a behavioural therapist him? Or, and I hate to write this, should I be thinking about having him rehomed or PTS – we would all be devastated :(