The dog is 18 months old and not at all aggressive with people of all ages, including babies. He is even put in his place by my elderly cat. The problem is that when I'm walking him, if another dog doesn't wag his tail when we approach, my dog growls and lunges at the other dog when he gets the chance. If another dog is friendly all is well. If the other dog has a docked tail he's got nothing to wag anyway. He especially hates other young, male, dark coloured labradors. (He was last of the litter, and the others beat him up.) When he was young, other dogs would often sniff him and then attack him. Now he seems to want to get the first punch in just in case. He is not aggressive at all at home, lets me take his food away, toys, anything. Sweet soppy labrador. Oh yeah, he barks toooooo much.

Dogs tend to react to other dogs body language and also to feel threatened on the lead and if another dog comes up he will go on the defensive he could also be protecting you.
Anyway no doubt more advice will follow soon on here.

I had the same problem with my little staffie. I took her to a behaviourist last week and so far it is working well.

Does she have a favourite treat? Be it food or a toy?

Rubys fav thing in the world is her ball, she will do ANYTHING for that ball :D
Well, the chap we saw spent ages working with two balls, Ruby on the lead. We had to roll a ball in front of Ruby, keeping her fav one behind her. When she went for the other ball we held her still and gently said 'off', repeating it until she loosened the lead and turned away from the other 'rogue' ball. As soon as she did this she was rewarded by her fav ball being given to her. We repeated this exercise many times until she came to recognise that the word 'off' ment she was going to get a reward. You could do the same exercise with a fav snack or other treat.

Next step was to hold her infront of a door where she could see other dogs walking past. As soon as she saw one and started to bark and pull we would gently say 'off', as we did with the ball exercise. Then as soon as she stops barking and turns away from the other dog, reward with the ball, or treat. Keep on doing this and the dog will associate the word 'off' with her special treat. This hopefully will condition her that when she sees another dog, if she ignores it she may get a reward :)

So far, it is working a treat for us. I always carry her ball in my pocket, and have tried it a few times on our walks, it takes time and patience but it DOES seem to be working!

Hope this may help you, and good luck!

Helen

Thanks a lot for your replies. It's kind of you. Bit of an improvement today, the dog who hates my dog the most, (the feeling is mutual) and mine, passed within 2 feet of each other on a narrow path. Both were held firmly by the collar and only a very small growl was heard from each. Good lads.

Be very careful not to reward the growl. You are holding the collar and the dogs pass close by with only a little growl. The must get an immediate "NO"! The praise can only come following the desired behaviour. It's one of those occasions where timing is so important.

Regards, John