Fickla gave you some excellent advice - and that's a great article she attached, I hope you'll read it. Please do see a vet/behaviorist before you make a decision one way or the other, and you'll get the guidance you need. It's possible Rory may need meds for a while, while you continue to work with him. Hard to know, since none of us knows him, has seen how he is, how he acts/reacts, etc. Nor are most of us qualified to make that call. I know in Fickla's case, she worked so hard with Vito for so long (I can remember your threads, Laura - wow!). I have a friend who adopted an otherwise unadoptable Germ Shep, he had/has shown so much aggression to people (including his 'people' who only use positive reinforcement), and after many bites (with little/no warning), much training, etc, the only decision left was meds (before ... you know what). It's now a few years later, and at least they're able to work with him and live with him - and prior to that, he was SCARY (and GS's usually don't scare either of us!). He's at least enjoying his life, and they're not in a constant state of fear, wondering if he's about to bite. If meds weren't used with him, I think it's safe to say he'd no longer be around.
I know someone else who used Prozac with her Golden, who was attacked and traumatized by another dog at a young age. She was a shy dog - and it threw her over the edge. Prozac, time, and gradual exposure to life helped immensely. Again, it was at the recommendation of a vet/behaviorist. I had major issues with Alfie for the first year (well, more - but esp for the first year) after I adopted him. Several people (not trainers) had recommended meds. I did see a vet/behaviorist (at the trainer's recommendation) and she gave us a good protocol to follow - altho no meds - and we successfully turned him around.
Do give it a lot of thought. In my opinion, it's a big decision, and not one to be made lightly. But - if there is an imbalance in the brain causing inappropriate behavior, meds can help turn things around while you continue to work with him. I urge you to seek the guidance of a qualified vet/behaviorist.
