Magnesium and other support for very anxious dog

Hi there. We have a rescue Kelpie x Cattle Dog. He is extremely anxious around people other then us, very lead reactive to other dogs and lunges at people walking past. We have taken him to training and he is such a good boy at home and on lead when there aren't other people and dogs around. We have put him onto a hemp oil and another trainer suggested Magnesium to support his nervous system but I don't know what to buy or the dosage. I'm about to start muzzle training as we are at a point that we can't have people in the house as he wants to nip. Its like he feels he needs to protect us all the time.  I have kids and they can't have friends over because he has already nipped someone, hence starting muzzle training. help !!! I don't really think herbal natural meds will do anything for him and its looking like we will need to take him to a behavioural vet to properly dose him with medication, but i don't really want to put him on medication for the rest of his life. Unless its our only option left .... for now is adding the magnesium a useful tool or is it pointless ?

Good morning!  - This sounds to be a behavioural problem - as you already mentioned, it sounds as though your dog is feeling nervous and therefore feels the urge to nip.  If this was a person, neither Magnesium or Sedation would be appropriate - and neither is it with dogs (we sometimes sedate for specific stressful events, but there are issues with sedating a dog every day).   As you have already identified, nervous behaviours tend to escalate, so the trick is to catch them early and give appropriate science-based interventions.  Meanwhile safety is key and the therefore the muzzle may prove crucial.  Better still, avoid situations for now in which he will feel threatened while you seek advice.   Unfortunately there are many "behaviourists" in the world with an array of confusing qualifications that mean different things, so always ask your vet to put you in touch with someone appropriate.    Best of luck to you both  

Good morning!  - This sounds to be a behavioural problem - as you already mentioned, it sounds as though your dog is feeling nervous and therefore feels the urge to nip.  If this was a person, neither Magnesium or Sedation would be appropriate - and neither is it with dogs (we sometimes sedate for specific stressful events, but there are issues with sedating a dog every day).   As you have already identified, nervous behaviours tend to escalate, so the trick is to catch them early and give appropriate science-based interventions.  Meanwhile safety is key and the therefore the muzzle may prove crucial.  Better still, avoid situations for now in which he will feel threatened while you seek advice.   Unfortunately there are many "behaviourists" in the world with an array of confusing qualifications that mean different things, so always ask your vet to put you in touch with someone appropriate.    Best of luck to you both