[Tihanna]

I WORK AT A VET CLINIC - HERE IS MY STANCE.

The fact that the tech considered this dog "aggressive" simply because he growled is barbaric if anything. That is rediculous. The fact that ANY DOG nervous, with strangers, AT THE VET - WHERE HE REMEMBERS/ASSOCIATES PAIN, strange smells,etc has the potential to growl,snap, etc.

I am not a tech, however can say that the techs at our clinic are NEVER quick to deem a dog "aggressive" however, we do give them a "yellow sticker" that just cautions those WORKING in the clinic that they may not be FRIENDLY in clinic, things are different beyond our doors.

A dog isn't ever even deemed "aggressive" if it bites someone due to fear/pain - the clinic is a scary, nerve-wrecking place. We do however consider dogs aggressive if they are aggressive to other patient dogs in clinic, or are defensivfe, showing COMMON SIGNS OF AGGRESSION. There is a fine line between aggression and fear. We must understand that.

In all honestly, all I can say is the tech is an idiot and I would have a decision w/ the doc and let him/her know what she said and perhaps the vet will have a chat w/ her and let her know there is an appropriate way to approach the situation.

With that being said, I would take caution though, it seems that the dogs in clinic that don't do well with restraint, especially a dominant breed such as the rotti, typically are dominant dogs in general.

Hopefully the next visit goes well... though I'm sure they will unfortunately muzzle him next time, I would request to go back, you have that right.