I am having a problem with my 15 week mini schnauzer pup.  She is adorable and very sociable with our dog, family and friends.  She is keen to greet children, women and older people on walks but is reserved towards men.  But the worse thing is she barks quite aggressively at other dogs, whether in the distance or walking passed her.

I feel it must be fear aggression, because sometime after she barks, she whimpers a bit and tries to get me to pick her up.  I take her on two short walks a day to get her socialised and have tried to get her to focus on me instead of the dogs but it's still a problem. 

Does anyone have any suggestions?  I have seen some homeopathic remedies for fear aggression (some sort of powder).  Could they be the answer? 

Are you planning taking her to puppy classes? Some take them at 4 months which might help her get used to other dogs in a very dog friendly and safe environment. I was very lucky with my pup who is now 9 months. I do worry a little about him are he still thinks all dogs are friendly and will want to play with him.

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Yes, she has been attending puppy socialising classes for the past 4 weeks (two more weeks to go).  Thing is, the first time I took her there, it was only her second time out since her vaccinations.  It didn't help when a Dalmation barked loudly very near her and then another puppy bounced all over her as soon as she got in the door.  Was a bit annoyed when the trainer told me off for not being firm with Maisie, because she got very aggessive, and not with the other owner, who had a dog on a retractable lead - but failed to retract!

I think it may have sewn the seeds of mistrust of other dogs.  But how do I get her over it?

Think all you say may be valid but do not over look the effect if may be having on you. Do you expect her to be a problem and do you feel yourself tensing when a dog approaches. Think your trainer should have helped you not tell you off that is a very poor example of a trainer and she should be ashamed.

Some trainers will have stooge dogs that are very steady and will put up with no end of verbal abuse without reaction, this may be the way to go before she decides she rules the world, or worse that every dog she meets will beat her up.

You should get help here http://www.apdt.co.uk/ or here http://www.apbc.org.uk/

I took my pup to meet with my friends dogs but only the ones we knew were good with young pups. Mine is a chocolate lab who is not frightened of much so i think that helped. He also had size on his side! He was also 6 moths when he went to puppy classes so i think he was not too overwhelmed as it was only a class of 6 young pups.

Yes, I may tense a little on the lead.  Although she is on a fairly short lead when waking on paths, I do reel her in a bit more when I see a potential victim approaching so maybe she senses this.  I will try to stay calm.  It's so difficult though.  My other 2 yr old never had this problem.  But when we take both dogs out together, Maisie is even worse, and we think she may be protecting our older dog.  So for now at least she is walked alone until I can conquer this problem.

You may find a Halti type head lead or a muzzle would help, sometimes if the dog is barking because it is scared the head collar or muzzle seems to help. Now don't ask me why, I have no idea, just know that sometimes it does work. Perhaps because the handler is more relaxed knowing they have full control.

re novas comments. that what my dog does ,meets any dog really well when his got his headcollar on, without it he tries to take matters into his own hands, its like he knows i cant hold him, and when hes got it on, i can so i know i am calmer too knowing he wont try and pull me.