We have just rehomed a cross Cairn Terrier form the RSPCA.  He is 2 years old and has a great temprement with humans, problem is that when we take him for a walk and he sees another dog he gets really out of control and starts pulling, snarling and barking and trying to get to the other dog...VERY WILD.  Can anyone suggest what we can do as we don't want to return him to RSPCA.

Hi, I suggest you get Gwen Bailey's book about Rescue Dogs. They need different handling to dogs you've had from a pup, and they generally come with 'baggage' - which is often why they were in rescue in the first place. What reasons were you given for his needing to be rehomed?

Unless the shelter staff told you he couldn't mix with other dogs then it could be that he is excited to see the other dogs and/or frustrated at not being able to meet them.  Most dogs that appear to be aggressive on the lead are usually fine if given the chance to meet and greet stable dogs on a regular basis.  However you should have someone who is experienced at working with dogs such as him assess him if the shelter where he came from are not able to advise you.

Sally

Shelly, You need to find something that will distract his attention away from other dogs when hes out walking.Take some treats,ball,squeaky toy or anything that he prizes.Make the toy yours not his and only use at special times to reward very good behaviour.As soon as he sees another dog produce your toy or whatever and focus his attention on you giving lots of gental praise.This should hopefully work with practice and eventually he will look at you when another dog is approaching to see what youve got.I would also find him a good training class .Hes not to old to change his ways .
   good luck caroline
 

Sometimes dogs that have been in a kennel environment with other dogs around can take a little while to settle down and relax into a home environment.  He may be used to barking and snarling at the other dogs at the RSPCA.  Some kennels are pandemonium whenever anyone or another dog appears into view.  This is normal behaviour for them - whatever triggers it, and no one shows them otherwise. 
Then when they are taken out and another dog appears the same undesirable behaviour manifests itself.  You can overcome it.  He's still a very young dog but it may take a bit of work to redirect him.
Headcollars are excellent for dogs that behave like this because you can simply turn their head towards you - away from the approaching dog and break the eye contact.  If it's possible to do this from a distance at first the better.  If he's playful or will be distracted by a smelly treat then use a ball on a rope or a treat.  When you see an approaching dog you can work out how close your dog will let it come before he starts to react to it. Then you can anticipate this and distract him with a ball on a rope for a play or keep a treat in your hand and let him try and get it off you.  If you can start off with distant dogs then gradually you can let him get closer and closer as his behaviour hopefully improves.
If that's not possible then use the headcollar to turn his head away from the dog and keep walking ignoring him and the other dog.  Don't stop and stand aside or slow down.  Keep walking.  If he behaves then lots of gentle praise like Caroline suggested.  It may take some time but give him a chance before you send him back.  He may just need to settle down :)
Lara x

Hi Shelly,

You never know what happened to dogs that end up in rescue.  Your dog could have been attacked by other dogs and is frightened, or, was never socialised with other dogs, or, is simply overexcited and not aggressive.  Cairns are generally very good with other dogs - most breeds are good with other dogs.

Patience and positive distractions when you are approaching other dogs should help in time.   When he is more settled you might want to take him to obedience classes and get him used to being around other dogs in a controlled environment.

Stacey