We have just rehomed a 2 year old Lakeland Terrier who has had very little training. When out walking he tries to attack every dog that we meet, he will try to jump on them and growl. If I keep him on a very short lead and walk past fast he is Ok, but any suggestiuons on how I correct this.
Hi there, two things might be going on here. Firstly he might not have been socialized well enough with other dogs and therefore displays fear aggression. Secondly he might think that he is the pack leader and needs to protect you from other dogs. He might sense that you tense up when you walk past other dogs, in fear that he starts growling again and he will think he needs to protect you.
I would recommend two things. First read through the Alpha Dog Book and follow the steps to establish yourself as the pack leader (walk through doors first, make him do something before you do anything for him, for example sit and stay before you feed him, sit before you pat him, restricted access to his favorite toys etc.) He should start to feel more relaxed if he is confident that you are a good alpha dog and able to take care of him. Often dogs play up when they are on a leash. They think they are safer and also think they are in control of you. Sometimes you will find that if you dropped the leash when he starts attacking another dog and walk away from him he will leave the other dog and follow you. However, I would only recommend doing that when you are sure that he has learned that you are the pack leader.
Secondly, do you know any friendly dogs that he could socialize with? It is important that he learns that other dogs are a positive thing he encounters on his walks. If he passes a dog without any trouble give him a treat and praise him. Make him sit when another dog walks past and praise him for listing to you.
