My Dogue(year old) has had his leg(achilies) in and out of a splint/plaster/bandage for three months now. Another 2 weeks and he is allowed back to the park,which will be fantastic for both of us!!! I've been taking him(by car) for coffee most days so he can watch the world go by in the local high street. He loves this as everybody makes a fuss of him and he gets treats from the shop owners. However i am concerned that he has changed from a fantastically well behaved dog(off the lead) in the park(before his injury) into what non dog owners would call  a crazed DEVIL DOG(on the lead) when other dogs come into view!! He used to be fine on and off the lead but now he is barking and trying to drag me towards the dog in sightThis to others can look quite frightening when Barney(9 stone)  is going into one!
I think they are all the details- oh he wags his tail while he is barking and i have yet to let him get close to any of the dogs to see what will happen!!
My question is, has anyone else gone through this and does anyone think he will revert back to his old self once he is back off the lead?

Cheers

Bein on the lead can be very restricting to a dog, and may mean they put on more 'of a show' to get an approaching dog to back down, most dog aggressive dogs are better off lead than on - but it might be worth thinking about getting him a muzzle for your own piece of mind for when you do let him off.....  It should ofcourse, be introduced gradually and associated with good things ;)

Thanks for that! Mentioned it to my partner and she of course said my 'Barney' is not wearing one of those! It will take some work but will eventually talk her round!
I still find it very strange to see him being aggresive as he always used to submit(roll over) at the slightest sign of aggesion from any other dog.
Thanks again

JON

Are you sure it is agression and not just sheer frustration and excitement due to the enforced restriction???

I must admit from what you described i thought it sounded like frustration, quite understandable really. If he was previously friendly i would think he is just wanting to play or say hello. Once he has been off lead after a while he will probably calm down again. Perhaps a long line the first couple of times until you are sure that it is a friendly approach.

Are his hackles up?  Is his tail wagging held low or high, quick or slow?  Is his muzzle smooth when he is barking or wrinkled up, lips pulled forward?  If his hackles aren't up, his tail is high and wagging fast, and his muzzle smooth then it doesn't sound like aggression, more like excitment because he can see a playmate and frustration because he can't go off and play.

Sorry about the delay-Have been away.
Thankyou for your replies.Suzieque, you have made me feel easier as i was out with him at the weekend and watched him very closely. He is displaying all the traits of a frustrated puppy who just wants to go and play! I still find it hard calling him a puppy especially when i come home and he wants a cuddle and his mouth is level with mine when he stands up!! Apart from me he doesn't do this with everyone - only on command!
thanks all