Barking and pulling at other dogs

Hi there and thank you for your question.

Barking and aggression to stangers is a common problem among dogs but the good news is that with time, therapy and patience he will come to be more manageable.

The first advice i would give you is to ensure you and your family members have read and understand the techniques in the bonus book "Secrets to becoming the Alpha Dog".These are great techniques for maintaining or establishing your position at the head of the household, but they can also be adapted for use when dealing with issues between your dog's. No matter what the problem is all dogs need to know where the stand in the house for both yours and their peace and comfort.

Here are some ways to reinforce your position-
1) If you come across your dog while he is sleeping or lying on the floor then you can reinforce your position as alpha dog by making him move so that you can pass by.
2) Make sure that you always go through doorways first. A good method to reinforce your position as alpha dog is to walk your dog around the house on the leash, making your dog wait while you walk through doorways first.
3) At mealtimes make sure that your dog or dogs eat after all of the humans have.
4) Do not feed your dog tidbits or let it pester you at the table. Save the morsels and tidbits for training sessions instead.
5) Do not greet your dog straightaway when you arrive home. Make it wait until you are ready and then call it to you.
6) Whenever your dogs want attention or anything wait till they are sitting and being well behaved.

It is critical all of your family practices these principles so the dogs know they are at the bottom of the pecking order. From the sounds of things all your dogs are very obedient but you may consider reinforcing their understanding of the commands.

Don't encourage aggressive behavior. Playing tug-of-war or wrestling games encourages your dog to attempt to "best" you or "win" over you, which can exaggerate an aggression problem.

You should reprimand your dog for unacceptable behavior,no matter what that behavior is. If you do not reprimand your dogs poor behavior then it will feel that it has the right to behave that way and it will take much longer to correct the behavior.
What I recommend you do, is the next time your dog acts poorly and exhibits aggression or gets in a frenzy, saturate your dog with the garden hose or a bucket of water, or if it is inside, throw a heavy blanket over your dog and be sure to reprimand it. DO NOT yell, as this has no effect on the dominant dog. Growl instead, use a guttural growl like " AAHHH!" instead of "No!", as this makes a sharper sound then "No" (If done correctly it may hurt your throat a little).

It is vitally important that your dog has good all-round obedience skills. Regular training sessions are key to improving your dog's obedience responses and keeping it used to answering your commands. Concentrate on the sit and stay, down and stay, heel and wait commands. SitStayFetch has a full account of training methods.

When you are out walking him he needs to know that this is on your terms. You cannot let him pull or do anything unacceptable.

When you see a stranger approach make him sit. If he does not respond or starts to growl you must reprimand him. He has to learn to behave. As the person approaches continue to tell him off for growling or not sitting. At the same time it is important to let him know what he is doing right.

When he is sitting and being quiet then praise him with petting and attention.

If he gets too much to handle then take him away from the situation and try again later.
For the first few episodes don't let the dogs meet as this may encourage aggression. After a few sessions they may meet but only gentle play be allowed.

With time you can try various dogs, dog parks etc.
If he is too bad even in these situations you may have to get friends to bring dogs to your house and socialise him.
Sit the dogs apart and follow the same theory. He can come forward if he behaves but gets told off and made to sit when he is being naughty.

Good luck and please let me know how things go

Todd