You need to understand that your dog completely believes he is the leader and when you are out walking he is protecting you. What you need to teach him is that YOU are the Alpha, not him. You have to make him understand that it is not his job to protect you on his walk. Here are some methods to change his behavior.
Start With Basic Training
This training can help your dog learn to understand that it's OK to have other dogs around him and you. Start training him now and do a little bit every day in a mixture of circumstances. Make sure you begin the training in a place that is familiar to him so he can relax and not get distracted. Once you've done some training in familiar areas you can move on to other environments and distractions.
Do not move on until you have completed at least 5-10 minutes of "sit-stay" and then 5-10 minutes of "down-stay". The first 3 steps must not have any other dogs or people present...including other family.
1. First you start inside your home with his leash ON. Make him "sit" and then tell him to "stay". After about 10 minutes, start teaching him "down-stay".
2. When step #1 is finished, go outside making sure you still have his leash ON. (repeat the two commands)
3. Now while you are still outside, take his leash OFF. (repeat the two commands again)
You Must Avoid Other Dogs Until You Have Mastered Steps 1-3
You may now gradually introduce other dogs and people to your surroundings. However, first try to socialize him with dogs that have more of a calm and easy going temperament. This will ease him into it.
4. Go outside with your dog's leash ON, do the two commands. (other dogs and people present)
5. Now do the same command with his leash OFF. (other dogs and people present)
If you are not completely sure he is ready to meet with other dogs and people, you should put a muzzle on him for the first few times to get a feel of how he reacts. If he tries fighting again, you need to go back and start over.
How To Gradually Introduce Your Dog to Other Dogs
Obviously this is going to be a gradual process so please have patience. When you take him out for the first time after his training, introduce your dog from a distance. When he sees the other dog, make him sit-stay and watch his reaction carefully. As the other person with their dog approaches you, try to have him focus on YOU and not the other dog. If he makes a move from the "sit" position, have the other person back away.
Use a Gentle Leader Leash
It might be a good idea to use a Gentle Leader type of leash so you have more control over your dog while he is in training. This leash goes over his nose and his head. You lead him from his nose and it does not harm your dog in any way.
Be Careful Not To Reinforce Your Dog's Bad Behavior
Make sure you hold a slack leash at all times. If you tighten your dog's leash when you see a strange dog, you will make him very tense and his aggression level will increase. Speak to him in a happy and very calm voice.
When your dogs learns to ignore the strange dog, make sure you reward him with a treat. Practice this as often as possible.
Read Up On Alpha Dogs and What It Means
You should find as much information on Alpha dogs as possible. This will help you understand why your dog acts the way he does. It is his instinct and unless he is trained to know YOU are the Alpha, he will continue his bad behavior.
I sincerely hope this article was helpful to you. If you would like more information on any dog needs whether it's natural/organic nutrition, dog training, tuff dog toys, dog gifts, allergy kits, flea control and more, please visit http://www.TailWaggingSolutions.blogspot.com While you are there you can enjoy reading "Just For Doggie Laughs" and "Putter's Doggie Tips for the Week". Here's to loving your dog.
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