Hi there. I'm new to the site and have been reading through some threads and have gleamed some useful advice but wanted to ask further questions...
We have recently adpoted a rescue lurcher dog (approx 2yr old) who we have had now for almost 6 weeks. We generally walk him on the lead around the local parks and allow him off lead in the fenced off area and also on the beach (when there's no one around) and all is usually fine - apart from when I take him out!!!! He is ok with other dogs when with my partner both on and off lead but for some reason is a nightmare when he is on lead with me. He gets agressive and snaps at every and any dog we come across!
I initially thought that maybe he wasn't responding to my instructions and that maybe I wasn't firm enough but he seems ok in and around the home - he'll sit, stay, take food politely etc and is fine when anyone comes in the house (apart from the over excitable jumping of a greeting which is a work in progress)!
Do you have any suggestions on what we can try to help this agression when out with me??
He has a few bad habits due to being mistreated and we are going to obeidience training/socialisng classes starting tomrrow but wanted advice from actual dog owners!!!
Your help with be greatly appreciated!!

Do you know the details about his mistreatment and who lived with him ie how mant adults ,children and other animals  etc ?

Lucy
xx

We know very little to be honest. He was apparently found in a bit of a bad way in a nearby undesirable town having been kicked. He was taken in by the local rescue charity and home in a foster home for a while and apparently the father of the family was very domineering (not letting Louis outside to relieve himself in the garden, not playing, allowing toys/treats etc) and after a while he was noticeablly depressed. He was then taken into kennels where he had been for almost a year before we came along. The owner of the rescue charity we got him from has been out to see him at home with us and she has said he is a different dog - he has a spring in his step now and he does seem to have formed a close bond with us.
She ahs mentioned that he has been around children and has been perfectly fine but other than this we know nothing more

Poor Lad what a start to his life :(

It is early days and he is still settling in and get used to places and people and the outside world :)

have ou got any friends that have dogs as it sounds he may need to have some more socialisation. Maybe even think about taking him to training classes to get more used to other dogs and will also help you to see what triggers his agression and how you can deal with it. It sounds like he is a lovely lad but just needs more time and TLC :)

Lucy
xx

Edited to say you are already going to classes so see how it goes !

Could he be protecting you in his own way?  If he is good at home with you and good when your partner is there then he may feel he has to protect you when not on familiar ground?  I don't have any advice on how to handle this but I'm sure some of the others on here will.

Just want to say that I'm really pleased you have this boy :)  sounds like he has had a dreadful time but only good things ahead for him now :)