Aggressive Dog in Animal Shelter

I volunteer at my local animal shelter. There's this dog there that freaks out when he's in his kennel and strangers come near him. He bares his teeth and growels and barks. My girlfriend got bit by him when she put her hand in his cage. It was a really bad bite... it was bruised and everything. But the thing is, when this dog isn't in his kennel, when he's out on a leash or in the dog run behind the animal shelter, he's perfectly fine. He's the friendliest dog in the world. People that come to the shelter see him in his kennel groweling and barking at them and think he is this horribly vicious monster. He's probably going to end up being euthanized because no one will adopt him. I think he probably does this because he feels cornered in the kennel... or it could have something to do with his food bowl being right next to him in the kennel. Could anyone help me find a way to make him not be aggressive in the kennel so he'll get adopted?

 

hmmm......the only thing i can really think of is maybe everytime you approach him in the kennell, bring him treats so that he comes to realize that seeing someone approach him is a positive experiance and eventually he may start looking foward to visitors.......i know that sounds rather simplisitic and may not have any positive effects on the situation at all but its worth a go.........

 

Hey lucky, I totally agree with Elle's suggestion. Give it a shot. Also try this: show up early, take the dog out for a walk, and try to find prospective adopters outside. That little trick worked great for me at least once.

Once there was a dog just like the one you're talking about, and I knew she was next on the list to get the needle. So I took her outside and sat by the front door of the shelter greeting people as they came in. Then this guy rode up on a bicycle asking if he can get a drink of water. He got to petting the doggie, and 30 mins later he adopted her. So get that doggie out of the cage as much as possible!!

 

dogs have a tendency to react badly when frightened, just show the love, and don't show fear.

 

Thanks for the suggestion. I'll totally try it!