I have a 3 year old Wire Fox Terrier and an 11 month black minautre schnauzer.  Up until about 1 month ago they got on okay but lately (only if someone is around and not all the time) the WFT will flatten the schnauzer (makes a lot of noise but does not bite).  It only occurs if say someone comes to the door and the WFT cannot get to the door first he seems to take out his anger on the schnauzer.  When the schnauzer was younger he would find a toy and take his anger out on that.

When they are left together at night or for an hour or two during the day they get on fine.  It only seems to happen when someone is there.

The schnauzer is now becoming quite frightened of him.

Please advise.

Well, IMO, you need to let the dog know that it's not up to him to be so bossy. THAT JOB IS ALREADY TAKEN. AND IT'S YOUR'S. Step in and let him know to knock it off. (not harshness, but firmness) Then don't forget to reward him lavishly when he's not doing that. That's what I've had to do with my Dobe pup with my other dogs. He's not being aggressive though...just pestering them all to hell to play and they don't want to play always with him. It's slowed him down somewhat and it's not all the time like it was, but he can still at times be a pest, putting his whole mouth over their heads, pawing with those huge feet, bouncing around driving them nuts. So, yes....Mom steps in and stops it. It's just not fair to the other dogs. You can try to see if your stern voice is enough. You can give him a little scruff on the back of his neck like his mother use to do... You can use a water squirt bottle. You can physically remove him and seperate them. You can't have your other little dog being terrorized. At least my dogs aren't afraid of Lyric because he's not being nasty. They're irritated though and frusterated. That's enough for me to make sure it doesn't continue.

Carrie

There are so many things that could be going on there, I would suggest you get in touch with your vet and ask him to refer you to a behaviourist in your area.  It wouldn't be fair on the dogs to try and advise over the net, as the wrong advice could lead to other behaviours coming to the fore.  You could be talking about an up and coming dog getting to big for his boots, he could be more sutied to the 'alpha' position in the canine pack, the WFT could be frightened about his lack of control, the schnauzer could be egging him on.......Canine behaviour is a complicated thing ;)

Sorry I have not thanked you but will take your advice and try and find someone to help